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PRIVATE MEMOIRS

WASHINGTON,

BY HIS ADOPTED SON,

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS,

■

• /?

WITH

A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR,

BY HIS daughter;

AND

ILLUSTRATIVE AND EXPLANATORY NOTES,

BENSON J. TOSSING.

“First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of his Countrymen.”

Gen. Henry Lee's Oration.

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS.

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U ^ A

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1859,

By Mrs. Mary Custis Lee,

in the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Eastern
District of Virginia.

SAVAGE & MCCREA, STEREOTYPERS,
13 Chambers Street, N. Y.

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

The men and women who were cotemporary with Washington
have nearly all passed away, and in a few years every tongue
that might now speak of personal recollections of the Father of
his Country will be silent, and that for ever.

As we recede from the age of Washington, and history takes
the place of verbal traditions in giving a narrative of the events
of those days, we become more and more anxious to garner, in
memory and in books, the precious seeds of information concern¬
ing the men whose names stand prominently on the records of
those events. Especially do we desire to know all about Wash¬
ington, the great central figure of the group of patriots whom we
have been taught to revere as the founders of the republic.

We feel confident, therefore, that a work like this, containing
the minute details of much of Washington’s private life, as well
as his public career (which general history does not reveal), and
related, too, by a member of Washington’s own family — one
who lived with him from infancy until his nineteenth year — will
be peculiarly acceptable to the American public.

In this work, new phases of Washington’s character are dis¬
played. We see him as a private citizen — as a plain farmer — •
as the head of a family.

The correspondence between Washington and his adopted son,
while the latter was in college, first at Princeton and after¬
ward at Annapolis (never before published), will be found
deeply interesting, especially to our young men. Washington’s
letters display the fatherly anxiety and solicitude with which he
saw the child of his adoption, sometimes giving promises of great
improvement and future usefulness, and at others pursuing a dis¬
appointing course, and awakening painful doubts concerning the

INTRODUCTORY REMARKS.

character of his manhood. These called from Washington
words of great wisdom ; and the advice contained in his letters
to young Custis we would commend to the careful considera¬
tion of every young man starting out in life.

The general arrangement of the whole work, and the elabo¬
rate explanatory and illustrative notes to the Recollections , by
the editor, whose familiarity with the subject is well known, so
connect and generalize the desultory sketches of the author as
to make the work an interesting Life of Washington. In these
notes will be found much rare matter never before presented in
a collected form.

The correspondence between Washington and the father of
the author of these Recollections , during the Revolution (printed
in the Appendix, and now for the first time made public), will
be found especially interesting. Their letters treat chiefly of
private affairs, and give us a vivid picture of Washington’s
sagacious views in relation to the management of property.
They also show the wonderful capacity and adaptation of his
mind in giving close and lucid attention to private concerns,
while engaged in the most arduous and momentous public
duties. Two of Mr. Custis’s orations ; the famous oration of
General Henry Lee on the death of Washington; an interest¬
ing account of the presentation of a ring to Lafayette by Custis
at the tomb of Washington; a specimen of Washington’s care
and exactness in the management of his agricultural affairs ;
and a notice of all the original portraits of Washington, are
also printed in the Appendix.

The memoir of Mr. Custis, by his daughter, which properly
forms a part of the work, will be found highly interesting, the
subject being enriched by the introduction of very curious mat¬
ter pertaining to the earlier history of the family.

With these few observations, we submit the work to the pub¬
lic, feeling a pride in offering one so intrinsically valuable to
every student of our history and lover of his country.

The Publishers.

New York, August , 1859.

CONTENTS.

Memoir of George Washington Parke Custis . page 9

Original Correspondence between Washington and Custis . 73

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Editor’s Preface . . . . . . 119

Author’s Preface . . . . . . 121

CHAPTER I.

The Mother of Washington . . . . . . . 125

CHAPTER II.

Washington at Mount Vernon . 151

CHAPTER III.

Battle of Princeton and Death of General Mercer . 179

CHAPTER IV.

Battle of Germantown. . 193

CHAPTER V.

The Battle of Monmouth . 211

CHAPTER VI.

The Surrender at Yorktown . 229

CHAPTER VII.

Washington’s Life-Guard . 256

CHAPTER VIII.

The Hunting-Shirt . 264

CHAPTER IX.

Washington’s Headquarters . . . 273

CHAPTER X.

Mysteries of the Revolution . 289

CHAPTER XI.

The Indian Prophecy . 300

CHAPTER XII.

Daniel Morgan . 308

CHAPTER XIII.

Robert Morris . 323

CHAPTER XIV.

Thomas Nelson . . 333

CHAPTER XV.

Alexander Hamilton . 340

CHAPTER XVI.

Henry Lee. . . . 354

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XVII.

Birth-night Balls and the Theatre . . . . . page 364

CHAPTER XVIII.

Life at Mount Vernon. . . . 370

CHAPTER XIX.

Washington as a Sportsman. . . . . . 384

CHAPTER XX.

The First Year of the Presidency.. . . 393

CHAPTER XXI.

Washington’s Home and Household . 406

CHAPTER XXII.

The Retired President . 433

CHAPTER XXIII.

Outline Life-Pictures . 461

CHAPTER XXIV.

Last Hours of Washington . 472

CHAPTER XXV.

Personal Appearance of Washington . 480

CHAPTER XXVI.

Martha Washington . 495

CHAPTER XXVII.

Portraits of Washington . 516

APPENDIX.

I. Original Correspondence between General Washington and

John Parke Custis . 533

II. Oration at the Funeral Solemnities to General James M.

Lingan, by G. W. P. Custis . 571

III. Address at the Celebration of the Russian Victories over

Napoleon, by G. W. P. Custis . 585

IV. Presentation of a Ring to General Lafayette, by G. W. P.

Custis, at the Tomb of Washington . . . 591

V. Directions for the Management of his Farms, by General

Washington. . . . • . . . 595

VI. Oration on the Death of Washington, delivered before Con¬
gress, by General Henry Lee . 615

VII. Original Portraits of Washington . 624

ILLUSTRATIONS.

George Washington Parke Custis . . . Frontispiece

Colonel George Washington . . . Opposite page 21

Mrs. Eleanor Parke Lewis (Nelly Custis) . “ “ 45

Mrs. Martha Washington (Mrs. Custis) . “ “ 495

Facsimile of Washington’s Account with Miss Custis. . “ “ 496

Facsimile of Washington’s Record of Survey.. . “ “ 445

MEMOIR

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS,

BY HIS DAUGHTER:

WITH

THE EPISTOLARY CORRESPONDENCE

BETWEEN

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

MEMOIR

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

It is with much diffidence that I offer to the public the
Recollections of my father, in their present unfinished
state. They were written by him at intervals of many
months, sometimes of a year, during a period of thirty
years, and were nearly all first published in the National
Intelligencer , printed at Washington city, in the District
of Columbia. They have been extensively copied by
the press throughout the Union, and sometimes quoted
by historians, but from the perishable character of
the vehicle by which they were conveyed to the pub¬
lic, it is to be doubted whether a perfect copy of the
series is preserved, except the one contained in this
volume.

For many years my father, influenced by the urgent
solicitations of friends in all parts of the Union, enter¬
tained a design to arrange and revise his Recollections ,
supply omissions, and have them published in the more

MEMOIR OF

durable form of a volume, as a legacy to his countrymen.
But this design was never carried out ; and now, actu¬
ated by filial affection, and a feeling that these recollec¬
tions of the Father of his Country, by his adopted son,
should not be lost — that leaves so precious should not
be scattered to the winds — I have undertaken to per¬
form what he left undone.

It seemed to me that a brief memoir of the author of
the Recollections , and some notices of his family, connected
as they have been with stirring scenes in the history
of the past, would be acceptable to the public.

The following letter, also, written by an old and
esteemed friend, so well expresses the feelings* of all
who knew my father, and desired the publication of his
Recollections in permanent form, that I have taken the
liberty of inserting it here : —

“ Washington, October 6, 1858.

“ My dear Madam : Many causes, unnecessary to men¬
tion, have prevented the fulfilment of my cherished pur¬
pose to express the pleasure with which I learned your
intention of preparing the writings of your venerable
father for the press, to be preceded by a notice of his life
from the best pen, that of his only child. An intimate
and unclouded friendship of more than thirty years with
your beloved and lamented parents, gave me advantages
for discerning and appreciating those rare and bright
virtues which have made Arlington a place of frequent
resort to many of the eminent and good of this and
other countries.

“Your father was distinguished by talents which
would have made him eminent in any profession to
which he might have devoted himself; but his ample

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

fortune, extensive and generous hospitality, and the
care of large estates, led him rather to agricultural pur¬
suits, general literature, and the indulgence of his taste
for the fine arts, than to a profound study of science or
philosophy.

“ He read much, his memory was quick and retentive,
and his knowledge of history and the public affairs of
the world was remarkably full and accurate. To the
history of his own country he had devoted much time
and special attention, and was more familiar with the
character of the men and events of the Revolution, than
any one I have known.

Probably no one of his cotemporaries so well under¬
stood, or so profoundly admired the retired and less
obvious excellences, and the great public virtues and
acts of Washington. The glory of that great man ever
encompassed him, and inspired him with enthusiasm and
eloquence. In his childhood he learned from Washing¬
ton lessons of patriotism which were never forgotten.
Hence, in important political questions he was deeply
interested, and amid all the sectional controversies of his
day he stood firm to the Union.

“ He was warm and constant in friendship, had a high
sense of what is due (in conversation) to absent acquaint¬
ances, and was ever reluctant to attend to remarks dis¬
paraging or injurious to others. He sympathized quickly
with distress, and the poor found in him a ready and
liberal benefactor.

“ Nothing could exceed the easy grace and politeness
of his manners, his uniform and benevolent cheerfulness,
and the delightful eloquence of his conversation. There
was the blending of good humor, cordiality, interest in

MEMOIR OF

those whom he addressed, with the riches of a brilliant
poetic imagination, throwing light and joy npon all
aronnd. Those who visited Arlington immediately found
themselves at home. Every want was anticipated by
kind attentions, and nothing was omitted which could
contribute to their happiness ; they seemed to realize the
return of the days when Washington himself welcomed
his guests at Mount Yernon and presided at the feast.

“ The writings you, Madam, are about to publish, will
be welcomed by the people of the United States as
historical papers of great value • and those containing
recollections of Washington, as precious memorials of
the life and habits of the Father of his Country in retire¬
ment, warm with the love and gratitude of his devoted
son, and glowing with his genius. The discourses of
your father on the death of General Lingan, and that
on the overthrow of Napoleon, were greatly admired
at the time they were spoken, and should be preserved
as specimens of striking and commanding eloquence/5"
Your father was an orator, around whom the public
ever thronged with delight, and who that ever heard
him can forget the vivacity, grace, and interest of his
conversation.

“ The filial duty in which you so promptly engaged,
and which you have so well performed, is a high tribute
to the memory of Washington (with which that of your
honored father is indissolubly united), and a service to
that country which stands the only adequate monument
of its great chief. But I will not presume to extend
these observations farther, since I can add nothing to
your information, and should fill a volume to convey my

* These may be found in the Appendix.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

own pleasing re colie ctions, or to express adequately my
attachment and obligations to your family.

“ I have the honor to remain, my dear Madam,

“ Most respectfully your friend,

“ R R Gurley.

“ Mrs. Mary Custis Lee, Arlington .”

The memoir of one so long known among us as the
adopted child of Mount Yernon, whose mind was richly
stored with memories of the past, whose heart and home
was open to all who loved to hear of our immortal
Washington, should he deeply interesting to the world.

The records of his early youth are somewhat imper¬
fect, as those who could have best furnished the details
have passed away ; nor do we find any letters from his
foster-father until the commencement of his collegiate
life at Princeton.

Of his paternal ancestry we have accounts gleaned from
a chest of old papers, very curious and amusing (though
many have mouldered), containing letters, commissions,
deeds and patents for land during the reigns of James II.,
William and Mary, and Queen Anne ; and a commission
for Major-General John Custis, in 1687, from Johannes,
Lord Howard of Effingham, his majesty’s lieutenant and
governor-general of Yirginia, appointing him collector
of customs on the Eastern Shore. Mr. Custis had previ¬
ously been made major-general to command the forces
in that quarter during Bacon’s rebellion.* He was the

* The episode in Virginia history, known as Bacon’s rebellion, occurred in 1675
and 1676. The immediate cause of the outbreak was the dangers threatened by
Indians from the north, who had made incursions into the settlements on the James
river. It was, however, an outburst of republican feeling, which had long been
growing in the colony, and which had become much exasperated by the acts of Gov¬
ernor Berkeley and the aristocracy. Finally, the republicans, under pretence of
opposing the Indians, seized their arms, and led on by Nathaniel Bacon, an ener-

MEMOIR OF

owner of a large estate, including several islands. Among
these was Smith’s island, which is still in possession of the
family. General Custis married three wives. In favor of
each he made a separate will, providing amply for the
comfort of his widow, and even binding his successor in
her affections (should she have one) by a heavy forfeit,
to maintain the dwelling in the same state in which he
left it. He also devised to her, her own wearing apparel,
and any stuffs ordered for her that might be en route
from England. To the last one, Madam Tabitha, who
survived him, and married Colonel Hill, he bequeathed a
handsome riding horse and accoutrements. His five chil¬
dren, John, Hancock, Henry, Sorrowful Margaret, and
Elizabeth, were all apportioned ; and legacies in land and
money were left to various friends and to his sisters.
The eldest son, John, wTas especially provided with landed
property, out of which a hundred pounds were to be ex¬
pended yearly for the maintainance and education in
England of his son, John, the immediate ancestor of the
author of the Recollections , whose portrait is preserved
at Arlington house. In it, his hand grasps a book, near
which a tulip is placed. The book contained an essay

getic young patriot, appeared in formidable array. The movement was without the
governor’s permission, and he sent troops to arrest the rebel, as he termed Bacon.
This led to energetic action. Republicanism had become a power in Virginia, and,
at its command, the governor was compelled, on the 4th of July, 1676 (a hundred
years before the great Declaration of Independence), to sign a commission, acknowl¬
edging Bacon a member of the house of burgesses, to which the people had elected
him ; and also to give him the commission of a general of a thousand men. Finally,
the governor summoned all the royalists to his standard, declared Bacon a rebel, and
received succor from England. Bacon and his troops, hearing of the approach of an
overwhelming force, laid old Jamestown in ashes, and fled beyond the York river,
where he died of malignant fever. His followers were dispersed, and the civil war
ended. Had Bacon been successful, history would have called him a patriot instead

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

upon that flower, written by himself. Many works in
the library, classical and scientific, with his name pre¬
fixed in German text, embellished with many flourishes
(for he seems to have prided himself upon his chirog-
raphy), shows that he was a man of letters, though of
an eccentric genius.

This John married at “ Queene’s ere eke,” on York
river, Frances, the eldest daughter of Colonel Daniel
Parke. She and her sister, Lucy (afterward the wife of
Colonel William Byrd, of' Westover,*) resided there with
their mother (whose maiden name was Jane Ludwell)
in great seclusion, by the express desire of their father,
then seeking his fortunes abroad.*j* The mother, in many

# Colonel William Byrd was a distinguished member of the king’s counsel in
Virginia, toward the close of the seventeenth century. When, in 1699, about three
hundred of the Huguenots, or French Protestants, arrived in Virginia, after fleeing
from persecution in their native land, he received them with fatherly affection, and
gave them the most liberal assistance. He was generous to the poor around him.
He was well educated, and his library was the largest on the western continent. In
1723, he was one of the commissioners for establishing the boundary line between
Virginia and North Carolina. He died at an advanced age, in 1743.

t The following letter from Colonel Parke to his daughter, Frances, who married
Colonel Custis, is preserved a.t Arlington House. The orthography of the original
is retained : —

“ St. James’ October ye 20th

“ My Dear Fanny — 1 697.

“I Rec’d yr first letter, and be shure you be as good as yr word and mind yr writ¬
ing and everything else you have learnt ; and doe not learn to Romp, but behave
yrselfe soberly and like A Gentlewoman. Mind Reading; and carry yrself so yt
Everyboddy may Respect you. Be Calm and Obligeing to all the servants, and
when you speak doe it mildly Even to the poorest slave ; if any of the Servants
commit small faults yl are of no consequence, do you hide them. If you understand
of any great faults they commit, acquaint yr mother, but doe not aggravate the fault.
I am well, and have sent you everything you desired, and, please God I doe well, I
shall see you ere long. Love yr sister and yr friends ; be dutiful to yr mother.
This’ with my blessing is from yr lo : father

“Danl. Parke.

“ Give my Duty to vr Grandfather, and my love to yr Mother and Sister and
serviss to all friends. My Cosen Brown gives you her serviss, and yr Aunts and
Cousins their love.”

MEMOIR OF

long and urgent letters, implored his return, pleading
the state of her health as rendering her unequal to
guard her treasures from the admiring eyes which pur¬
sued them whenever they were seen. Colonel Custis,
with his foreign education and great wealth, was no
despicable suitor. Colonel Parke gave his approval,*
and the haughty beauty yielded. He had been fore¬
warned that he could hope for no complaisance from his
bride, whose temper was little calculated to allow happi¬
ness in her presence ; but with the true spirit of a lover
and the gallantry of the age, he professed to feel that to
possess her would be heaven enough for him.-}- Their

* The father of young Colonel Custis received the following letter from Colonel
Parke on the subject : —

“ London, August 25, 1705.

“ Sir : I received yours relating to your son’s desire of marrying my daughter,
and your consent if I thought well of it. You may easily inform yourself that my
daughter, Frances, will be heiress to all the land my father left, which is not a little,
nor the worst. My personal estate is not very small in that country, and I have but
two daughters, and there is no likelihood of my having any more, as matters are, I
being obliged to be on one side of the ocean, and my wife on the other. I do not
know your young gentleman, nor have you or he thought fit to send me an account
of his real and personal effects ; however, if my daughter likes him, I will give her
upon her marriage with him, half as much as he can make appear he is worth.

“ I have no one else to give my estate to but my daughters. This is what I think
convenient to write at present. My service to you and all friends in Virginia.

“ From your humble servant,

“To Colonel Custis.” “Daniel Parke.

t The following letter of young Custis to his intended bride a few months before
their marriage, in which, according to the custom of the time, he calls her his
“ Fidelia,” is a fair specimen of passionate love-letters in the old colonial days. Its
tone is quite different from that which characterizes the inscription upon his tomb,
in which he so pointedly, though indirectly affirms, that his life, while he lived
with his “ Fidelia,” was so unhappy that he considered it a blank in his existence

“ Williamsburgh, February 4, 1705.

“ May angels guard my dearest Fidelia and deliver her safe to my arms at our
next meeting ; and sure they wont refuse their protection to a creature so pure and
charming, that it would be easy for them to mistake her for one of themselves.
If you could but believe how entirely you possess the empire of my heart, you would
easily credit me, when I tell you, that I can neither think nor so much as dream of

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

connubial enjoyments were of short duration, and in
mercy to both, perhaps, after the birth of two children
(a son and daughter), the small-pox ended her life at
Arlington, on the Eastern Shore. The husband lived
many years afterward, and directed in his will that a
tomb-stone of white marble (now in existence) should
be placed over his grave, inscribed with the following
epitaph, to perpetuate his infelicity : —

“UNDER THIS MARBLE TOMB LIES THE BODY

of the Hon. JOHN CUSTIS, Esq.,

OF THE CITY OF WILLIAMSBURG,

AND PARISH OF BRUTON.

FORMERLY OF HUNGAR’S PARISH, ON THE
EASTERN SHORE

OF VIRGINIA, AND COUNTY OF NORTHAMPTON,

AGED 71 YEARS, AND YET LIVED BUT SEVEN YEARS,

WHICH WAS THE SPACE OF TIME HE KEPT
A BACHELOR’S HOME AT ARLINGTON,

ON THE EASTERN SHORE OF VIRGINIA.”

On the opposite side is the following : —

“THIS INSCRIPTION PUT ON HIS TOMB WAS BY
HIS OWN POSITIVE ORDERS.”*

any other subject than the enchanting Fidelia. You will do me wrong if you sus-
pect that there ever was a man created that loved with more tenderness and sincerity
than I do, and I should do you wrong if I could imagine there ever was a nymph
that deserved it better than you. Take this for granted, and then fancy how uneasy
I am like to be under the unhappiness of your absence. Figure to yourself what
tumults there will arise in my blood, what a fluttering of the spirits, what a disorder
of the pulse, what passionate wishes, what absence of thought, and what crowding
of sighs, and then imagine how unfit I shall be for business ; but returning to the
dear cause of my uneasiness ; O the torture of six months’ expectation ! If it must
be so long and necessity will till then interpose betwixt you and my inclinations, I
must submit, though it be as unwillingly as pride submits to superior virtue, or
envy to superior success. Pray think of me, and believe that Veramour is entirely
and eternally yours. Adieu.

“ I beg you write as soon as you receive this, and commit your letter to the same
trusty hand that brings you this.”

* In his will he directed his son to place this inscription upon his tomb, and pro¬
vided for his disinheritance in the event of his omitting to do so. The tomb is in
the form of a sarcophagus, about five feet high and as many long.

MEMOIR OF

The daughter of Colonel Custis, Fanny Parke, was
born in 1710, and married a Captain Dausie, contrary to
the wishes of both father and brother, in which she, no
doubt, followed the bent of her own phantasy,” as we
find many letters extant from her suitors, who were quite
eloquent in setting forth their pretensions, especially, in
point of property. The old gentleman was over fastid¬
ious, and would not listen favorably to any of them ; so
it ended, as often it happens, in her marrying the least
desirable of them all. In his replies, Colonel Custis
always remarked, as a reason for his objections : “I have
but two children, and they must inherit all I have.”
Daniel, the son, was the object of very ambitious views.
His fine person, large fortune, and irreproachable char¬
acter, made him quite a desirable match for the fair
dames of Virginia, and many negotiations were com¬
menced* His cousin, Evelyn Byrd of Westover, was
proposed, but though Colonel Custis desired earnestly

* Mrs. Parke Pepper, wife of a London merchant, and a relative, seems to have
desired a matrimonial alliance between the families, as appears by the following
letter written by Colonel Custis to her in 1731 : —

“ It is natural to believe that I must always value a family to whom my two dear
pledges are so nearly allied. I do not remember that I expressed anything of
matching my daughter to any one. I am sure I had no such thought, so Mr. S.
* must misapprehend me. Your son may deserve a better match than my daughter,
but the distance of place and consanguinity would render such a thing impracticable.
She has lately been engaged to a man much against my inclination, and so near,
that the wedding-clothes were made, but it is all over now, and she protests she will
never marry him or any one else. My son, I believe, is fixed in his affections, only
we think both two young as yet. It is an unhappiness that my children’s relations
by their mother are placed so far distant. I agree with you, that it might do him
good to make you a visit and see the world, but I could not spare him so far from
me while I live, if he might have the empress of the universe with the whole creation
for a fortune. My children are all the comfort I have in the world, for whose sakes
I have kept myself single, and am determined so to do as long as it shall please God
to continue them to me. I no ways doubt of my young kinswoman’s virtues and
qualifications, and heartily wish her a husband equal to her merits. I hope Mr.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

the connection, he could not be brought to terms ; and
at length Colonel Byrd, in a very decided letter, in
which he tells the wooer how much he regrets his
father’s impracticability, as he should have preferred him
to all others, adds, that he can not trust to such a
“phantome as Colonel Custis’s generosity.”

We rather suspect Daniel was not very earnest in the
pursuit, as beautiful Martha Dandridge soon effaced all
other impressions from his heart, and was not so readily
relinquished.

She was the most attractive belle at the court of
Williamsburg,* and won the affections of all by her
grace of manner and heartfelt cheerfulness. Governor
Goochf presided over the Old Dominion, and Colonel
Custis then ’held the high office of king’s counsellor.
Long did he refuse to sanction his son’s choice, but at
length won over by the report he heard on all sides of
the charms and virtues of Miss Dandridge, and especially
by a message received from her, he yielded, and we
find the following memorandum in his own hand¬
writing: “1 give my free consent to the union of

Pepper will accept of my best respects. The same salute to you and yours. I am,
hon’d madam, Your most obedient servant,

“John Custis.

“P. S. — If Colonel Parke had lived to see my son, he would have seen his own
picture to greater perfection than ever Sir Godfrey Kneller could draw it. — J. C.”

This postscript refers to the portrait of Colonel Parke, now at Arlington house,
painted by that eminent artist, and to which allusion is made in another part of this
memoir.

* Williamsburg was the residence of the royal governors of Virginia until the old
war for independence, in 1775. Governor Nicholson made it the capital in 1698. In
its palmiest days its population did not exceed twenty-five hundred, yet it was the
centre of Virginia’s social refinement.

t William Gooch was governor of Virginia from 1727 until 1749, a longer admin
istration than that of any of the royal governors of that province.

MEMOIR OF

my son, Daniel, with Miss Martha Dandridge.”* This
was a concession he certainly never had cause to regret,
as he soon was an admiring witness of their domestic
bliss in their pleasant home on the banks of the Pamunkey.
They had four children, Daniel Parke, Fanny Parke, John
Parke (the father of the author of the Recollections ),
and Martha Parke. The two eldest children died very
young ; and it is said that grief for their loss so preyed
upon the mind of the devoted father, who was equally
endowed with deep affections, as with manly beauty,
that it hastened his death, which # occurred at the age
of thirty years. He left a young widow with two small
children, and a large fortune. His family mourned the
loss of a most tender parent, and his numerous servants
an indulgent master.-)-

* On that occasion a friend of the suitor wrote to him as follows : —

“ Dear Sir : This comes at last to bring you the news that I believe will be most
agreeable to you of any you have ever heard — that you may not be long in suspense
I shall tell you at once — I am empowered by your father to let you know that he
heartily and willingly consents to your marriage with Miss Dandridge — that he has
so good a character of her, that he had rather you should have her than any lady in
Virginia — nay, if possible, he is as much enamored with her character as you are with
her person, and this is owing chiefly to a prudent speech of her own. Hurry down
immediately for fear he should change the strong inclination he has to your marrying
directly. I stayed with him all night, and presented Jack with my little Jack's horse,
bridle, and saddle, in your name, which was taken as a singular favor. I shall say
no more, as I expect to see you soon to-morrow, but conclude what I really am,

“ Your most obliged and affectionate humble servant,

“ To Colonel Daniel Parke Custis, New Kent.” “ J. PowrER.

The “ Jack ” referred to in this letter was a small negro boy to whom the old gen¬
tleman had taken a most violent fancy ; and on one occasion when in great displeas¬
ure with his son, Daniel, on account of his refusing to concur in his ambitious views,
he made a will, duly recorded, leaving all his fortune to this boy. Through the soli¬
citations of his friends and his own paternal feelings, when the ill-humor had vanish¬
ed, he destroyed that will, but manumitted the boy with his mother, Alice, and pro¬
vided them with a most comfortable maintenance. #

f Daniel Parke Custis was born at “ Queene’s creeke,” according to the record in
a family Bible at Arlington House, on the 15th of October, 1711. There is also a

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

The circumstances attending the union of Mrs. Custis
with Washington are well known, and a narrative of them
will he found in the Recollections * Indeed, her life from
that time became a matter of history. The death of her
only remaining daughter, Martha, at the age of sixteen,
threw a cloud of the deepest sorrow over the happiness
of the family at Mount Yernon. If we may judge from
a miniature taken by the elder Peale, and now in the
possession of his son, Rembrandt, and two other portraits,
she was endowed with rare beauty, and yet of a com¬
plexion so deeply brunette, that she wTas always called
the “ dark lady.” Her delicate health, or, perhaps her fond
affection for the only father she had ever known, so
endeared her to the “general,” that he knelt at her
dying bed, and with a passionate burst of tears, prayed
aloud that her life might be spared, unconscious that
even then her spirit had departed.

Martha expired at Mount Yernon on the 19th of June,
1773. Washington had been absent at Williamsburg,
on public duty, for sometime, and on his return found
her in the last stage of consumption. He had arranged
to accompany the governor of Yirginia (Lord Dunmore)
to the western country, but the death of Miss Custis
caused him to remain at home a long time to console
his wife, and recover from the effects of the blow. In

record there, that “ Governor Spottswood, the Honorable William Byrd, Esq., and
Mrs. Hannah Ludwell, were godfathers and godmother.” There were some por¬
traits of the Custis family at Abington, on the Potomac, which have long since
crumbled into dust. One who bore the name of Custis is remembered as being
represented as a soldier, in a complete suit of armor ; and two now at Arlington,
painted by Van Dyke, tradition says came from Holland, where the family origi¬
nated. The portraits of Daniel Parke Custis, husband of Miss Dandridge (after¬
ward Mrs. Washington), and of his father, are both at Arlington house.

* See sketch of Martha Washington.

MEMOIR OF

testimony of her love for her stepfather, Miss Custis be¬
queathed to him all of her large fortune, which was en¬
tirely in money.

Of Colonel Daniel Parke, already mentioned, as one of
the ancestors of the present Custis family, and of his
eventful career, an interesting volume might he written.
This is not the place for even a very extended notice
of him ; yet some facts and correspondence, having a re¬
lation to the family, seem to find here an appropriate
position. Besides this, they give us glimpses of char¬
acter in the olden time, which will not fail to gratify the
reader and pardon a digression.

There is a splendid portrait of Colonel Parke at Ar¬
lington house, painted by Sir Godfrey Kneller, in which
he is represented as arrayed in a coat of crimson velvet
. embroidered with gold, and which well becomes his fine
figure and eminently handsome face. He was born in
the colonies, but passed most of his life in England,
where he possessed valuable estates, leaving his wife
with two daughters in charge of his Virginia property,
which was also extensive. She found this charge so
burdensome, that in her letters, as we have already
observed, she begs to be relieved, and urges his return.
She even wrote to his merchant and man of business,
Micajah Perry, to use his influence in persuading him to
return. But the fascinations of the court prevailed over
a sense of duty, and while there he was appointed aid-
de-camp to the great Duke of Marlborough, attended
him in the battle of Blenheim, and was made the bearer
of the following letter to the Duchess of Marlborough: —

66 1 have not time to say more, but to beg you will
give my duty to the queen, and let her know her army

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

has had a glorious victory. M. Tallard and two other
generals are in my coach, and I am following, the rest.
The bearer, my aid-de-camp, Colonel Parke, will give her
an account of what has passed. I shall do it in a day or
two by another more at large.* Marlborough.

“ August 13, 1704.”

It is a high honor to be the bearer of tidings of victory
to a monarch, and at that time a reward of <£500 was
usually given by the sovereigns of England for such
services. Colonel Parke, whose estate was ample, re¬
quested Queen Anne to give him her portrait instead.
The request was granted, and the portrait was painted in
miniature, and set with diamonds. Colonel Parke’s por¬
trait, painted in 1707, shows this miniature pendant from
his neck by a red ribbon, Marlborough’s despatch to the
queen in his right hand, and the battle of Blenheim in
the background. Another portrait of Colonel Parke,
painted by Kneller, is still in the possession of William
Dillon, Esq., wThose late wife was his great-niece.

It appears by the following letter to his daughter, that
Colonel Parke went to Flanders as a volunteer, where,
doubtless, his gallant conduct won for him his appoint¬
ment in the staff of Marlborough : —

“ St. James, 1702.

"My Dear Fanny: I am going a volunteer under the
Duke of Marlborough, to Flanders, where I served also
in the last campaign with my Lord Arron, the Duke of

* This battle was fought on the 2d of August, 1704, between the English and
confederates, commanded by Marlborough, and the French and Bavarians under
Marshal Tallard and the Elector of Bavaria. The loss of the latter was twenty-
seven thousand killed and thirteen thousand prisoners. The English nation re¬
warded Marlborough with a large domain, and erected for him one of the finest seats
in the kingdom, known as the domain and house of Blenheim.

MEMOIR OF

Ormond’s brother, and was in every action. God knows
if I may ever see you more, but if I do not, I shall take
care to leave you and your sister in very happy circum¬
stances, therefore do not throw yourself away upon the
first idle young man that offers if you have a mind to
marry. I know it is the desire of all young people to be
married, and though very few are as happy after mar¬
riage as before, yet every one is willing to make the
experiment at their own expense. Consider who you
marry is the greatest concern to you in the world. Be
kind and good-natured to all your servants. It is much
better to have them love you than fear you. My heart
is in Virginia, and the greatest pleasure I propose to
myself is the seeing you and your sister happy. That
you may be ever so, is the earnest desire of your affec¬
tionate father, ^

7 "Daniel Parke.

" I got some reputation last summer, which I hope I
shall not lose this ; I am promised the first old regiment
that shall fall, being now made a colonel.”

Colonel Parke was afterward commissioned a general,
and appointed governor of the Leeward islands. An
old book in the Arlington library, written by George
French, contains an account of his administration there,
and of the rebellion in Antigua, by which it seems
that he became obnoxious to a seditious faction, was
overpowered by numbers, and when there were no hopes
of safety showed an undaunted resolution. When he
had scarcely a second left, in a personal defence, he de¬
fied the whole strength of the rebels, till at last, he
received a shot in his thigh, which, though not mortal,
disabled him, and he fell into the enemy’s hands.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

u They had now an opportunity of sending him away
to what place and in what manner they think fit,” says
the account, 66 but instead thereof, they use him with the
utmost contempt and inhumanity. They strip him of
his clothes, kick, spurn at, and beat him with the butts
of their muskets, by which means, at last, they break his
back. They drag him out into the streets by a leg and
arm, and his head trails and beats from step to step of
the stone stairs at the entrance of his house, and he is
dragged on the coarse gravelly street, which raked the
skin from his bones.

“ These cruelties and tortures force tears from his
eyes, and in this condition he is left expiring, exposed
to the scorching sun, out of the heat of which he begs
to be removed. The good-natured woman, who, at his
request, brought him water to quench his thirst, is
threatened by one Samuel Watkins to have a sword
passed through her for her humanity, and the water is
dashed out of her hands. He is insulted and reviled by
every scoundrel, in the agonies of death, but makes no
other return but these mild expressions : ‘ Gentlemen, if
you have no sense of honor left, pray have some of
humanity.’ He gratefully owns the kindness of friends,
and prays God to reward those who stood by him that
day. At last he was removed into the house of one Mr.
John Wright, near the place where he lay, and there,
recommending his soul to God, with some pious ejacula¬
tions, he pays the great debt of nature, and death, less
cruel than his enemies, put a period to his sufferings.

66 After they had surfeited themselves with cruelties,
they plundered the general’s house and broke open his
store-houses, so that his estate must have suffered by

MEMOIR OF

that day in money, plate, jewels, clothes, and household
goods, by the most moderate computation, five thousand
pounds sterling, for which his executors have obtained
no satisfaction to this day. Thus died Colonel Parke,
whose brave end shows him sufficiently deserting of the
commission he bore, and by his death acquired an honor
to his memory, which the base aspersions of his enemies
could not overthrow.” This tragedy occurred on the
7th of December, 1710.

Colonel Parke’s will, in which he devised all of his for¬
tune in the Leeward islands to an illegitimate daughter,
on condition that she should take his name and coat-of-
arms, naturally gave great offence to his children, and a
tedious law-suit was the consequence. His legal de¬
scendants are still in possession of much of his property
in Virginia, and part of the handsome service of plate
presented to him by Queen Anne. His friends maintain
that in his public career his life was irreproachable, and
that loyalty to the queen was the cause of his destruc¬
tion ; yet his royal mistress forgot her favorite, allowed
his murderers to hold his government of Antigua, and
never remunerated his heirs for the losses sustained in
her cause. The treatment he received is an emphatic
example of the wisdom of the injunction, “ Put not your
trust in princes.”

Among the old family papers at Arlington house, I
have found many amusing and interesting letters, written
by Colonel William Byrd, of Westover (to whom refer¬
ence has already been made), who as we have observed,
married a daughter of Colonel Parke, and was for a long
time in London after the death of his father-in-law, at¬
tending to the settlement of that gentleman’s estate.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

As some of these letters have reference to family matters,
and are interesting in themselves, I insert a few, believ¬
ing that they are not out of place here, considering their
connection. They are addressed to Colonel John Custis,
his brother-in-law.

The following letter, in which reference is made to
Colonel Parke, was written in Virginia two years before
the tragedy occurred in Antigua : —

“ October , 1709.

« I have lately been favored with an unusual pleasure
from Antigua, in which I find we have not altogether
been forgotten. Our Father Parke says his time was
very short and he could not write to you then , but is
much in charity* with us all. I give you joy on the
blessing you have had of a daughter, and hope she will be
an ornament to the sex, and a happiness to her parents.
Our son sends you his dutiful respects, and I may ven¬
ture to say, as much for Miss Evelyn, who has grown a
great romp, and enjoys very robust health. How is
Madam Dunn? for there goes a prophecy about, that in
the eastern parts of Virginia a parson’s wife will, in the
year of our Lord, 1710, have four children at a birth,
one of which will be an admiral, and another Archbishop
of Canterbury. What the other two will prove, the sybil
can not positively say, but doubtless they will be some¬
thing extraordinary.

“ My choicest compliments to Mrs. Custis, and if Mrs.
Dunn be not too demure a prude, now she is related to
the church, I would send her my salutes in the best form.

“ Your most affectionate humble servant,

W. Byrd.

“ To Colonel John Custis.”

MEMOIR OF

On the 21st of January, 1715, Colonel Byrd wrote to
Colonel Custis, from London, as follows : —

“ Tis a singular pleasure to hear by my brigantine of
my dear brother’s recovery from so sharp and tedious an
illness. I long to be with you, for this place, that used
to have so many charms is very tasteless, and though my
person is here, my heart is in Yirginia. My affairs suc¬
ceed well enough, but all solicitation goes on very slowly
by reason that the ministry is taken up with the Rebel¬
lion, which is still as flagrant as ever in Scotland, and
my patron, the Duke of Argyle, commands there against
them.* I am in perfect peace with all concerned in
debts due from Colonel Parke. I have paid the most
importunate, and allow interest for the bonds I can not
yet discharge, and should be very easy if I could get the
interest of his customhouse debt remitted, which I do
not yet despair of. I wish my dear brother a full con¬
firmation of his health. If he has the courage to venture
upon another wife, I hope he will be more easy in his
second choice than he was in his first.f

“I am, with most entire affection, dear brother,

“Your most obedient servant, W. Byrd.”

* King James II., was driven from the English throne in 1688. In 1715 his son,
Edward, made an unsuccessful attempt, through the aid of the Scotch, to regain the
throne of his father, as his uncle, Charles II., had that of his sire, in 1660. This
effort produced quite a serious rebellion. A grandson of King James made another
attempt to recover the throne by the aid of the Scotch, in 1745, and a still more seri¬
ous rebellion was the consequence. The father and son who made these attempts,
are known in history as the Old and the Young Pretenders.

t At about this time Colonel Byrd purchased a watch in London for Colonel
Custis, and in a letter that accompanied it to Virginia, he said : “I forebode this to
be a sort of equipage with which you intend to set out a courting. The misfortune is,
that you can not with tolerable decency draw forth your watch in presence of your
mistress without giving her some suspicion that you measure the time you spend in
her company.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

Again, on the 2d of October, 1716, Colonel Byrd wrote
from London to Colonel Custis, as follows: —

a It is a great surprise to you as to many others, that
Mr. Boscow has been made receiver-general.* I confess,
if I had given away the place, it is likely Mr. Boscow is
not the person in the world I should soonest have given
it to, but if you put the case that I sold it, you would
not wonder that I should dispose of it to so fair a bidder
as he was; and, indeed, I fancy there are not many
would have given £500 for it. Besides, it is not an easy
matter to transfer an office depending upon the treasury ;
and if I should have taken so much time as to send
over to Virginia to treat with any person there, I might
have slipt my opportunity and lost my market. This
being the case, you will cease to wonder at the matter.
The kind visit which my wife has made me will be the
occasion of my staying here another winter, that so she
may see this town in all its glory ; and I am the more
content to tarry, because the lieutenant-governor has
sent over a spiteful complaint against me and Colonel
Ludwell, which it concerns me to answer. I assure
you it was not my apprehension of being removed by
any complaint that might be formed against me that
made me resign ; but such an office as that of receiver-
general of the king’s revenue makes a man liable to be
ill-treated by a governor, under the notion of advancing
his majesty’s interest, by which pious pretence he may

* Receiver-general of the colony of Virginia, held by Colonel Byrd at that time.
This letter lifts the veil from the secret workings of the old colonial government,
when placemen disposed of offices to the highest bidders ; for then, as now, there
were large opportunities for public plunder. The people then had little to say con¬
cerning the administration of public affairs, especially by those appointed by the

crown.

MEMOIR OF

heap insupportable trouble upon that officer, if he should
have the spirit to oppose his will and pleasure — he
must either be a slave to his humor, must fawn upon
him, and jump over a stick whenever he is bid, or else
he must have so much trouble loaded upon him as to
make his place uneasy. In short, such a man must be
either the governor’s dog or his ass ; neither of which
stations suit in the least with my constitution. For this
reason I resolved to make the most of it by surrender¬
ing to any one that would come up to my price, well
knowing that my interest in the treasury was suffi¬
cient to do it, and now I am at full liberty to oppose
every design that may seem to be arbitrary or unjust.
The current news which you had of my being governor
of the Leeward Islands, expresses very naturally the
genius of our country for invention. I protest to you it
never once entered into my head to sue for that gov¬
ernment.

“ God in heaven bless you and your two little cherubs,
to whom I wish all happiness, being your most affection¬
ate brother,

“W. Byrd.”

At this time Colonel Byrd wrote as follows to an un¬
known female friend : —

“ I have been made happy with several of Irene’s let¬
ters, and at this time stand in need of most diversion to
support me under the melancholy I suffer for my dear
Fidelia’s absence. I fear you are too busy in copying
after the wise women that Solomon describes, to spend
much of your time upon how do yds. But remember
that the consequence of care is early wrinkles, and what*
ever you may get by it, you will be sure to lose in

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

peace and constitution. They tell me you have been
immoderately afflicted for the loss of your * dear Poppet/
but, by the terms on which it was born, you were to part
with it when its Maker pleased. You ought to have re¬
flected that Providence acts by unerring wisdom, and
therefore would never had recalled its gifts but because
it was better so than the contrary would be. God Al¬
mighty is ever contriving for our happiness, and does
many things for our good which appear to our short
sight to be terrible misfortunes. But by the time the
last act of the play comes on, we grow convinced of our
mistake, and look back with pleasure to those scenes
which at first appeared unfortunate. This is the case in
most accidents that are called disasters, misery, and many
other terms, which our ignorance gives them. We should
imitate the philosopher that we read of, who, when he
heard of his son’s death, calmly observed, that he was
saved from the evil to come ; and of the misconduct of his
wife, told his friend without any disorder, that he knew
he had married a woman. This equality of temper
would save the world abundance of sighs and com¬
plaints, especially that part of it that acknowleges
itself in the care of a wise and merciful God.

“ Pardon me, dear Irene, for preaching, which is ill-bred,
because it supposes that the party stands in need of it.
However, I can excuse the rudeness by pleading the in¬
finite inclination I have for your happiness. I would
have you without fault, which will suppose you without
any misfortune.”

Toward the close of the year 1716, Colonel Byrd
wrote to Colonel Custis, as follows : —

a My daughter, Evelyn, has arrived safe, thank God, and

MEMOIK OE

I hope I shall manage her in such a manner, that she
may be no discredit to her country. I am endeavoring
to get something from the treasury for your children
and mine, hut as the success of it is somewhat doubtful,
I will mention no more about it till it shall be deter¬
mined. I do long to see you, but can hardly persuade
myself to return till I can get it decided, whether a
governor may hang any man he takes to be his adver¬
sary or not. For if it be in his power to appoint me
my judges, I am sure I won’t come within his reach lest
I fall a sacrifice to his resentment. However, I am
laboring with all my might to hinder so great a power
from being lodged in any bashaw, lest they be too much
inclined to make use of it. We have got both the to¬
bacco law and that about the Indian trade repealed,
which I hope may not be unacceptable to the country.
I wish you, and your dear, pretty children, all health and
happiness, being with all my love, dear brother, your
most obedient, humble servant, W. Byrd.”

Shortly after this, Colonel Byrd conveyed to Colonel
Custis very melancholy intelligence, as follows : —

“London, 13 th December, 1716.

“ When I wrote last I little expected that I should be
forced to tell you the very melancholy news of my dear
Lucy’s death, by the very same, cruel distemper that
destroyed her sister. She was taken with an insupport¬
able pain in her head. The doctor soon discovered her
ailment to be the small-pox, and we thought it best to
tell her the danger.* She received the news without

* Two years later than this (1718), Lady Mary Wortley Montagu returned from
Constantinople, and introduced the practice of inoculation for the small-pox, which
she had learned while in that eastern city. Vaccination was introduced by Jenner,
about the year 1776.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

the least fright, and was persuaded she would live until
the day she died, which happened in 12 hours from the
time she was taken. Gracious God what pains did she
take to make a voyage hither to seek a grave. No
stranger ever met with more respect in a strange coun¬
try than she had done here, from many persons of dis¬
tinction, who all pronounced her an honor to Virginia.
Alas ! how proud was I of her, and how severely am I
punished for it. But I can dwell no longer on so afflict¬
ing a subject, much less can I think of anything else,
therefore, I can only recommend myself to your pity,
and am as much as any one can be, dear brother, your
most affectionate and humble servant, W. Byrd.”

Returning from this long digression, we will resume
the memoir of the author of the Recollections.

George Washington Parke Custis was born at Mount
Airy, Maryland, on the thirtieth of April, 1781. That
was the seat of his maternal grandfather, Benedict Cal¬
vert, a descendant of Cecil Calvert, Lord Baltimore.*
The walls of this venerable mansion are graced with
fine portraits of several of the Lords Baltimore, by
Vandyke; and one of Eleanor Calvert, the mother of
Mr. Custis. It represents a young lady of a romantic
and slight figure in a riding costume, with a boy’s hat
and open jacket. She seems scarcely fifteen, with a
bright and hopeful countenance. Such was her temper¬
ament, we are told, through all the toils of life. The com¬
mencement of her career was brilliant enough. Married
at sixteen to John Parke Custis, a youth of nineteen,

* Cecil Calvert was the second Lord Baltimore, and son of the first of that title,
who obtained from Charles the First a charter for a domain in America, which, in
honor of his Queen, Henriette Marie (Mary), he called Maryland.

MEMOIR OF

the ward and favorite of Washington, the only son of
Mrs. Washington, of large fortune, and a most amiable
and generous disposition, they passed several years at
Abingdon, a country-seat on the Potomac, near Wash¬
ington city, in the enjoyment of such felicity as rarely
falls to the lot of mortals.

After the death of Mrs. Washington’s daughter, al¬
ready mentioned, the hopes of the mother centred in
this son, who was then between sixteen and seventeen
years of age. She was extremely indulgent to him,
and she often pleaded in his behalf, when Washington
found it necessary to exercise a wholesome restraint
upon him. He was placed under the care of an episco¬
pal clergyman, at Annapolis, in Maryland, to be educated,
but the wayward boy was frequently away from his
studies, engaged in fox-hunting and other amusements
at Mount Yernon. He conceived a strong desire to
travel, but Washington opposed a scheme that would
interrupt his studies. It was abandoned, but he soon
became diverted from his books by a passion stronger
than a desire to travel. He became deeply enamored
of Eleanor, the second daughter of Benedict Calvert, of
Mount Airy, Maryland, and much to the concern of
Washington, when he discovered it, they formed a matri¬
monial engagement. His only objection was their ex¬
treme youth; and on the third of April, 1773, he ad¬
dressed the following letter to Mr. Calvert : —

“Mount Yernon, April 3rd, 1773.

“ Hear Sir : I am now set down to write to you on a
subject of importance, and of no small embarrassment
to me. My son-in-law and ward, Mr. Custis, has, as I
have been informed, paid his addresses to your second

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

daughter, and, having made some progress in her affec¬
tions, has solicited her in marriage. How far a union of
this sort may be agreeable to you, you best can tell ; but
I should think myself wanting in candor, were I not to
confess, that Miss Nelly’s amiable qualities are acknowl¬
edged on all hands, and that an alliance with your family
will be pleasing to his.

“ This acknowledment being made, you must permit
me to add, sir, that at this, or in any short time, his
youth, inexperience, and unripened education, are, and
will be, insuperable obstacles, in my opinion, to the com¬
pletion of the marriage. As his guardian, I consider it
my indispensable duty to endeavor to carry him through
a regular course of education (many branches of which,
I am sorry to add, he is totally deficient in), and to
guard his youth to a more advanced age, before an
event, on which his own peace and the happiness of an¬
other are to depend, takes place. Not that I have any
doubt of the warmth of his affections, nor, I hope I may
add, any fears of a change in them • but at present I do
not conceive that he is capable of bestowing that atten¬
tion to the important consequences of the married state,
which is necessary to be given by those who are about
to enter into it, and of course I am unwilling he should
do it till he is. If the affection which they have avowed
for each other is fixed upon a solid basis, it will receive
no diminution in the course of two or three years, in
which time he may prosecute his studies, and thereby
render himself more deserving of the lady, and useful
to society. If, unfortunately, as they are both young,
there should be an abatement of affection on either side,
or both, it had better precede than follow marriage.

MEMOIR OF

“ Delivering my sentiments thus freely will not, I hope,
lead you into a belief that I am desirous of breaking off
the match. To postpone it is all I have in view ; for I
shall recommend to the young gentleman, with the
warmth that becomes a man of honor (notwithstanding
he did not vouchsafe to consult either his mother or me
on the occasion), to consider himself as much engaged
to your daughter as if the indissoluble knot were tied ;
and, as the surest means of effecting this, to apply him¬
self closely to his studies (and in this advice, I flatter
myself, you will join me), by which he will, in a great
measure, avoid those little flirtations with other young
ladies, that may, by dividing the attention, contribute
not a little to divide the affection.

“ It may be expected of me, perhaps, to say something
of property ; but, to descend to particulars, at this time,
must seem rather premature. In general, therefore, I
shall inform you, that Mr. Custis’s estate consists of
about fifteen thousand acres of land, a good part of it
adjoining the city of Williamsburg, and none of it forty
miles from that place; several lots in the said city;
between two and three hundred negroes; and about
eight or ten thousand pounds upon bond, and in the
hands of his merchants. This estate he now holds, inde¬
pendent of his mother’s dower, Much will be an addition
to it at her death ; and, upon the whole, it is such an
estate as you will readily acknowledge, ought to entitle
him to a handsome portion with a wife. But as I should
never require a child of my own to make a sacrifice of
himself to interest, so neither do I think it incumbent
on me to recommend it as a guardian.

At all times when you, Mrs. Calvert, or the young

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

ladies can make it convenient to favor us with a visit,
we should be happy in seeing you at this place. Mrs.
Washington and Miss Custis join me in respectful com¬
pliments, and,

“ I am, dear sir, your most obedient servant.”

It was agreed that the youth should pass two years
at college, before the marriage could take place. He
was sent to King’s (now Columbia) college, in New York
city, but he remained there only a few months. Love
and learning did not move in harmony, and on the third
of February, 1774, young Custis was married to Miss
Calvert, when the bridegroom was a little more than
nineteen years of age. *

Four children were the fruits of this union, all born at
Abingdon, except George Washington Parke. Elizabeth
Parke was born on the twenty-first of August, 1776, and
married Mr. Law, nephew of Lord Ellenborough. She
was a lady of great beauty , and talent. Martha Parke
was born on the thirty-first of December, 1777, and was
early married to Thomas Peter. She was a woman of
fine and dignified appearance. Her husband was a man
of wealth, and great excellence of character; and she
passed her long life in the conscientous performance of
all her domestic duties. Eleanor Parke, born on the
twenty-first of March, 1779, married Lawrence Lewis,
the favorite nephew of General Washington. George
Washington Parke, the youngest child, first saw the
light, as we have observed, at Mount Airy, in April,
1781.

Very soon the bright sky that illumined the household
of John Parke Custis and his young wife became dark-

MEMOIR OF

ened. He was -aid-de-camp to General Washington at
the siege of Yorktown. A violent attack of camp-fever
obliged him to leave his post for Eltham, a place not far
distant. General Washington hastened thither as soon
as possible, but was met at the door by Dr. Craik, who
informed him that all was over. The chief bowed his
head, and in tears gave vent to his deep sorrow ; then
turning to the weeping mother, he said : “ I adopt the
two younger children as my own.”* Thus, at six months
of age, did my father, the subject of this Memoir,
become the child of Mount Vernon, the idol of his
grandmother, and an object on which was lavished the
caresses and attention of the many distinguished guests
who thronged that hospitable mansion. His beautiful sis¬
ter Nelly often observed : “ Grandmamma always spoiled
Washington.” He was “the pride of her heart,” while
the public duties of the veteran prevented the exercise
of his influence in forming the character of the boy,
too softly nurtured under his roof, and gifted with
talents which, under a sterner discipline, might have
been made more available for his own and his country’s
good.

It was not until he entered the college at Princeton,
that the attention of the “father” was particularly
drawn to those faults, which should have been cor¬
rected at an earlier period. The deep solicitude which
these faults occasioned may be estimated, in a meas¬
ure, by the correspondence between Washington and
the son of his adoption, appended to this Memoir.

At the time of the birth of Eleanor (the eldest of the
two children adopted by Washington), her mother was

* George Washington Parke Custis, and Eleanor Parke Custis.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

very ill, and Mrs. Washington took the child to Mount
Vernon, to be nursed by the wife of the steward, a
healthy English woman named Anderson, who had lost
her infant. She called Mrs. Anderson “ mammy,” and
remembered running with her to meet the General and
Lady Washington, on their return from camp in a car¬
riage drawn by six horses. She was then three years
old, having remained all that time under the care of
Mrs. Lund Washington, the wife of the general’s agent.
Her young brother, George, was nursed by the same
woman.

A daughter of Mrs. Lewis, (formerly Eleanor Parke
Custis) informed the writer that their first tutor was
Gideon Snow. “I saw him when I was in Boston,”
she said, “in 1824. He called with a grown daughter
to see my mother, and talked of ‘little George/ and
seemed sincerely attached to both his pupils, and to be
himself respected and beloved in Boston.”* Their sec-

* The following letter, written to Mr. Custis by his old tutor, after the lapse of
more than fifty years, possesses much interest : —

“Boston, 7th March , 1850.

“ My Dear Friend : I am much gratified by receiving your esteemed letter of
3d instant yesterday. You ask a copy of your letter of ancient date. With pleas¬
ure I comply with your request. The original has been preserved with care and
interest, for the love I bore the writer ; but if the writer has a wish to possess it, I
shall be gratified to send it to him. I received it enclosed by our mutual friend, Mr.
Lear, in a letter, which I can not find, but recollect he informed me it was written
at your own request, on a very warm afternoon. When finished you expressed your
wish to have it forwarded. Mr. Lear requested me to retain it with care, as it was
the first letter you had expressed a wish to write, and the time would come when
you would receive pleasure in seeing it should your life be spared.

“ I showed you the letter when I had the pleasure of meeting you in Boston, after
an absence of more than fifty years. I do not recollect naming the date at anytime.
I might have done so — the date is 1787, instead of 1785 as named by you.

“In looking over a few of Mr. Lear’s letters, which I have retained, I see, under
date July 9th, 1787, ‘I have a message : Washington sends his love to you, and
says you are not a man of your word, for you promised to come down here on Sun-

MEMOIR OF

ond tutor was Mr. Lear, afterward private secretary to
General Washington, who lived at the president’s house
in Philadelphia.

Nelly Custis was considered one of the most beautiful
women of the day, to which her portrait, at Arlington
house, by Gilbert Stuart, bears testimony. All who knew
her can recall the pleasure which they derived from
her extensive information, brilliant wit, and boundless
generosity. The most tender parent and devoted friend,
she lived in the enjoyment of her affections.* She was
often urged to write her memoirs, which might even
have surpassed, in interest to her countrymen, those of
Madame de Sevigne and others of equal note, as her
pen gave free utterance to her lively imagination and
clear memory. Would that we could recall the many
tales of the past we have heard from her lips, but alas !
we should fail to give them accurately. One narrative

day and did not.’ — My inclination was good, but a call to another act prevented.
When we met again your interest did not appear diminished. On the 9th January,
1788, ‘handsome soft black cloth was purchased for your coat and overalls.’ Dec.
18, 1788, 1 was asked to inquire of Dr. Craik where he procured the Latin grammar
for his sons, ‘ as I am about initiating my young pupil in that language.’ These
extracts may amuse. From your dear, departed mother I always received maternal
kindness. The recollection of her will never pass from me. I passed one Sunday at
Hope Park very happily. Your dear mother and your sisters were present. Mrs.
Snow requests her respectful remembrance. I thought of you at Richmond with
the president. I imagined you happy in the enjoyments of the interesting scene.
I thank you for your kind wishes, and sincerely reciprocate them.

“ Gideon Snow.”

The following is the copy of the letter alluded to by Mr. Snow : —

“Mount Vernon, May 12th, 1787.

“Dear Snow: I should be very happy to see you here if you can find time to
come down. When will you send my waggon to me ? For my old one is almost
worn out, and I shall have none to get in my harvest with.

I am, dear Snow, your friend, &c.,

Very H’ble Serv’t, G. W. P. Custis.”

* She died in Clarke county, Virginia, in 1852, at the age of seventy-four years.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

is retained, as it made a strong impression at the time.
She said the most perfect harmony always existed “ be¬
tween her grandmamma and the general that in all
his intercourse with her he was most considerate and
tender. She had often seen her when she had some¬
thing to communicate, or a request to make, at a mo¬
ment when his mind was entirely abstracted from the
present, seize him by the button to command his atten¬
tion, when he would look down upon her with a most
benignant smile, and become at once attentive to her
and her wishes, which were never slighted.* She also
said, the grave dignity which he usually wore did not
prevent his keen enjoyment of a joke, and that no
one laughed more heartily than he did, when she, her¬
self, a gay, laughing girl, gave one of her saucy descrip¬
tions of any scene in which she had taken part, or
any one of the merry pranks she then often played;
and that he would retire from the room in which her
young companions were amusing themselves, because
his presence created a reserve which they could not
overcome. But he always regretted it exceedingly, as
he liked nothing better than to look on at their sports
and see them happy. His letter to her on the occasion
of her first ball, may be so appropriately introduced
here, that we give it entire, precisely as it was written
in the original, now before us. Miss Custis was then
about sixteen years of age.

“ Phila., January 16, 1795.

“ Your letter, the receipt of which I am now acknowl¬
edging, is written correctly and in fair characters, which
is an evidence that you command, when you please, a
fair hand. Possessed of these advantages, it will be

MEMOIR OF

your own fault if you do not avail yourself of them,
and attention being paid to the choice of your subjects,
you can have nothing to fear from the malignancy of
criticism, as your ideas are lively, and your descriptions
agreeable. Let me touch a little now on your George¬
town ball, and happy, thrice happy, for the fair who
were assembled on the occasion, that there was a man
to spare ; for had there been 79 ladies and only 78 gen¬
tlemen, there might, in the course of the evening, have
been some disorder among the caps; notwithstanding
the apathy which one of the company entertains for the
c youth' of the present day, and her determination 6 never
to give herself a moment’s uneasiness on account of any
of them.’ A hint here ; men and women feel the same
inclinations to each other now that they always have
done, and which they will continue to do until there is
a new order of things, and you , as others have done,
may find, perhaps, that the passions of your sex are
easier raised than allayed. Do not, therefore, boast too
soon or too strongly of your insensibility to, or resist¬
ance of, its powers. In the composition of the human
frame there is a good deal of inflammable matter, how¬
ever dormant it may lie for a time, and like an inti¬
mate acquaintance of yours, when the torch is put to it,
that which is within you may burst into a blaze ; for which
reason, and especially too, as I have entered upon the
chapter of advices, I will read you a lecture drawn
from this text.

“Love is said to be an involuntary passion, and it is,
therefore, contended that it can not be resisted. This
is true in part only, for like all things else, when nour¬
ished and supplied plentifully with aliment, it is rapid in

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

its progress; but let these be withdrawn and it may
be stifled in its birth or much stinted in its growth.
For example, a woman (the same may be said of the
other sex) all beautiful and accomplished, will, while her
hand and heart are undisposed of, turn the heads and
set the circle in which she moves on fire. Let her
marry, and what is the consequence. The madness
ceases and all is quiet again. Why ? not because there
is any diminution in the charms of the lady, but because
there is an end of hope. Hence it follows, that love
may and therefore ought to be under the guidance of
reason, for although we can not avoid first impressions,
we may assuredly place them under guard; and my
motives for treating on this subject are to show you,
while you remain Eleanor Parke Custis, spinster, and
retain the resolution to love with moderation, the pro¬
priety of adhering to the latter resolution, at least until
you have secured your game, and the way by which it
may be accomplished.

When the fire is beginning to kindle, and your heart
growing warm, propound these questions to it. Who is
this invader ? Have I a competent knowledge of him ?
Is he a man of good character ; a man of sense ? For,
be assured, a sensible woman can never be happy with a
fool. What has been his walk of life ? Is he a gambler,
a spendthrift, or drunkard ? Is his fortune sufficient to
maintain me in the manner I have been accustomed to
live, and my sisters do live, and is he one to whom my
friends can have no reasonable objection ? If these in¬
terrogatories can be satisfactorily answered, there will
remain but one more to be asked, that, however, is an
important one. Have I sufficient ground to conclude

MEMOIR OF

that his affections are engaged by me? Without this
the heart of sensibility will struggle against a passion
that is not reciprocated — delicacy, custom, or call it by
what epithet you will, having precluded all advances on
your part. The declaration, without the most indirect in¬
vitation of yours, must proceed from the man, to render
it permanent and valuable, and nothing short of good
sense and an easy unaffected conduct can draw the line
between prudery and coquetry. It would be no great
departure from truth to say. that it rarely happens
otherwise than that a thorough-paced coquette dies in
celibacy, as a punishment for her attempts to mislead
others, by encouraging looks, words, or actions, given
for no other purpose than to draw men on to make
overtures that they may be rejected.

“ This day, according to our information, gives a hus¬
band to your elder sister, and consummates, it is to be
presumed, her fondest desires. The dawn with us is
bright, and propitious, I hope, of her future happiness,
for a full measure of which she and Mr. Law have my
earnest wishes. Compliments and congratulations on
this occasion, and best regards are presented to your
mamma, Dr. Stuart and family; and every blessing,
among which, a good husband when you want and de¬
serve one, is bestowed on you by yours, affectionately.”*

This beautiful and accomplished lady married Law¬
rence Lewis, the favorite nephew of Washington, and

* Washington wrote many other letters to his sprightly ward and foster-child, but
they have been lost or destroyed. These seem to show how his comprehensive mind
had moments of thought and action to bestow on all connected with him, and how
deeply his affections were interested in the family of his wife, who were cared for as
if they had been his own. They were written at a time when the cares of state, as
president of the republic, were pressing heavily upon him.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

son of his only sister, Elizabeth, of whose remarkable
resemblance to the general, mention is made in the
memoir of their mother, given in the Recollections. They
were married on the twenty-second of February (Wash¬
ington’s birthday), 1799. A month before, Washington
wrote to his nephew, as follows : —

“Mount Veknon, 23c? January , 1799.
“Dear Lawrence: Your letter of the 10th instant I
received in Alexandria, on Monday, whither I went to
become the guardian of Nelly, thereby to authorize a
license for your nuptials on the 22d of next month,
when, I presume, if your health is restored, there will be
no impediment to your union.*

“ The letters herewith sent were received two or three
days ago ; and until your letter of the above date came
to hand, I knew not with certainty to what place to
direct them. They are put under cover to your brother
of Fredericksburgh, to await your arrival at that place.

“I enclose the one to your lieutenant, Mr. Lawrence
Washington, for safety, and because it may be necessary
that you should have a conference with him respecting
the plan for recruiting your troops when the order and
the means for doing so are received. All, however, that
you, Washington, and Custis, have to do at present, is
simply to acknowledge the receipt of the letter from the

* The following letter, authorizing the license, is copied from, the original, which
is addressed “ To Captain George Deneale, clerk of Fairfax county court —

“Mount Vernon, 19^/i Feb. 1799.

“ Sir : You will please to grant a license for the marriage of Eleanor Parke
Custis with Lawrence Lewis, and this shall be your authority for so doing.

“From sir,

“ Witness, “ Your very humble servant,

“Thomas Peter. “G. Washington.

George W. P. Custis.”

MEMOIR OF

secretary of war, to inform him whether you do, or do
not accept the appointment, and in either case to request
him to thank the president for the honor he has con¬
ferred on you in making it.* Perhaps, as this acknowl¬
edgment will not be as prompt as might have been ex¬
pected from you and Custis (for it was supposed that
both of you were to he found at Mount Vernon), it
would not be amiss if you were to add, that being on an
excursion into the upper country is the cause of it. All
here, as I presume you will learn from a more pleasing
pen, are well ; I therefore shall only add, that I am, dear
sir, your sincere friend and affectionate uncle,

“Geo. Washington.

“Mr. Law. Lewis.”

A few months after this, Washington wrote to his
nephew, as follows, in reply to a letter from the young
husband concerning a portion of the Mount Vernon es¬
tate. Little did any of the parties then suppose, that in
less than three months, the hand that penned this letter
would be paralyzed by death, and that the will written
by that hand, would so soon call for executors : —

“Mount Vernon, 20 th September , 1790.

“Dear Sir: From the moment Mrs. Washington and
myself adopted the two youngest children of the late

* When, in the summer of 1798, long-pending difficulties with France seemed to
be tending toward speedy war, the Congress authorized quite a large standing army,
and appointed Washington commander-in-chief, with General Alexander Hamilton
as his first lieutenant. Washington consented to accept the appointment, only on
condition that General Hamilton should be acting commander-in-chief, unless cir¬
cumstances should make it necessary for the retired president to take the field.
Many young men, especially of families of revolutionary veterans, aspired to mili¬
tary honors at this time. Among others who received commissions, were those al¬
luded to in this letter, namely, Lawrence Lewis, Lawrence Washington, and George
Washington Parke Custis. They were never called to the field, as the storm of war
passed by without bursting upon the land.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

Mr. Custis, it became my intention (if they survived me
and conducted themselves to my satisfaction) to con¬
sider them in my will when I was about to make a dis¬
tribution of my property. This determination has un¬
dergone no diminution, but is strengthened by the con¬
nection one of them has formed with my family.

" The expense at which I live, and the unproductive¬
ness of my estate, will not allow me to lessen my income
while I remain in my present situation. On the con¬
trary, were it not for occasional supplies of money in
payment for lands sold within the last four or five years,
to the amount of upwards of fifty thousand dollars, I
should not be able to support the former without in¬
volving myself in debt and difficulties.

" But as it has been understood from expressions occa¬
sionally dropped from Nelly Custis, now your wife, that
it is the wish of you both to settle in this neighborhood,
contiguous to her friends, and as it would be inexpedient,
as well as expensive, for you to make a purchase of land,
when a measure which is in contemplation would place
you on more eligible ground, I shall inform you, that in
the will which I have made, which I have by me, and have
no disposition to alter, that the part of my Mount Vernon
tract, which lies north of the public road leading from the
Gum spring to Colchester, containing about two thousand
acres, with the Dogue-river farm, mill, and distillery, I
have left you. Gray’s heights is bequeathed to you and
her jointly, if you incline to build on it, and few better
sites for a house than Gray’s hill and that range, are to
be found in this country or elsewhere.

"You may also have what is properly Dogue-run
farm, the mill, and distillery, on a just and equitable

MEMOIR OF

rent ; as also the lands belonging thereto, on a reason¬
able hire, either next year or the year following, it being
necessary, in my opinion, that a young man should have
objects of employment. Idleness is disreputable under
any circumstances, productive of no good, even when
unaccompanied by vicious habits, and you might com¬
mence building as soon as you please, during the progress
of which Mount Vernon might be made your home.

a You may conceive, that building before you have an
absolute title to the land is hazardous. To obviate this,
I shall only remark, that it is not likely any occurrence
will happen, or any change take place that would alter
my present intention (if the conduct of yourself and wife
is such as to merit a continuance of it) ; but be this as it
may, that you may proceed on sure ground with respect
to the buildings, I will agree, and this letter shall be an
evidence of it, that if hereafter I should find cause to
make any other disposition of the property here men¬
tioned, I will pay the actual cost of such buildings to
you or yours.

“ Although I have not the most distant idea that any
event will happen that could effect a change in my
present determination, nor any suspicions that you or
Nelly could conduct yourselves in such a manner as to
incur my serious displeasure, yet, at the same time, that
I am inclined to do justice to others, it behooves me to
take care of myself, by keeping the staff in my own
hands.

66 That you may have a more perfect idea of the landed
property I have bequeathed to you and Nelly in my will,
I transmit a plan of it, every part of which is correctly
laid down and accurately measured, showing the number

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS. 49

of fields, lots, meadows, &c., with the contents, and rela¬
tive situation of each, all of which, except the mill and
swamp, which has never been considered as a part of
Bogue-run farm, and is “retained merely for the purpose
of putting it into a better state of improvement, you may
have on the terms before-mentioned. With every kind
wish for you and Nelly, in which your aunt, .who is still
much indisposed, unites,

“ I remain your affectionate uncle,

“ Geo. Washington.

“Mr. Lawrence Lewis.”

“Mount Vernon, 28 th September , 1799.

“ My dear Sir : The endued letter was written agree¬
ably to date, and sent to the postofhce in Alexandria,
but owing to an accident it missed the western mail, and
was returned to me, since which, Mr. Anderson,* in part¬
nership with his son, John, has discovered an inclination
to rent my distillery and mill. I am disposed to let them
become the tenants, provided they will give a reasonable
rent, and matters in other respects can be adjusted. The
reasons are, that although Mr. Anderson is, in my opinion,
an honest, sober, and industrious man, understands the
management of the plough and the harrow, and how to
make meadows, yet he is not a man of arrangement; he
wants system and foresight in conducting the business to
advantage, is no economist in providing things, and takes
little care of them when provided — when, to these de¬
fects in his character, are added, his acting too much
from the impulse of the moment (which occasions too
much doing and undoing), and his high wages and emolu¬
ments, I have no hesitation in declaring, that it is my

* Washington’s steward.
4

MEMOIR OF

wish to place my estate in this county on a new estab¬
lishment, thereby bringing it into so narrow a compass
as not only to supersede the necessity of a manager, but
to make the management of what I retain in my own
hands a healthy and agreeable amusement to look after
myself, if I should not be again called in the public ser¬
vice of the country. As the old man is extremely
obliging and zealous in my service, I am unwilling, by
any act of mine to hurt his feelings, or by discarding
him to lessen his respectability in the eyes of the public,
but if it should appear to be his own act, both our ends
would be answered. I should be lessened so much of my
general concerns, and if you take the Dogue-run farm
(by odds the best and most productive I possess), I can,
if I remain quiet at home, with great ease attend to the
other three and the mansion-house, and thereby ease my¬
self of the expense of a manager. You will perceive by
my letter of the 20th, herewith enclosed, that the lands
therein mentioned are given for the express purpose of
accommodating you in a building site, in which case I
did not, nor do I now see how you could do without the
farm, which is part of the premises, or the hands thereon;
and were it not for the reasons which apply to Mr.
Anderson, the mill and distillery ought to accompany it
as part of the same concern. I shall not go more into
details at this time, as I hear from a letter to Nelly that
you may be expected shortly. Mr. Anderson, after I
had written my letter of the 20th, hinted his desire of
renting from me, and was informed I had made the offer
to you, and until I received your answer I could say
nothing definitely to him on the subject, and so the
matter remains. Mrs. Washington has not recovered

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

her health, on the contrary, is at this time weak and low.
Mr. and Mrs. Peter (now here) and their children are
well. We all unite in best wishes for you, Nelly, and
Mr. Carter’s family. Your affectionate uncle,

“George Washington.

“Mr. Lawrence Lewis.”

We have again been led into a digression on a relative
subject. Let us now pursue the Memoir to its termina¬
tion, without further interruption.

Before he had reached his eighteenth year, young
Custis was appointed a cornet of horse in the army, as
appears by the following letter from the secretary of
war : —

“War Department, January 10th, 1799.

“ Sir : I have the honor to inform you, that the presi¬
dent, by and with the advice and consent of the senate,
has appointed you a cornet in the army of the United
States.

“ You are requested to inform me as soon as conven¬
ient, whether you accept or not the appointment, that I
may notify the same to the president.

“ To obviate misconception, it is proper to mention,
that a want of materials having prevented a complete
nomination and appointment of the whole number of
officers for the troops to be raised, the president has
thought it advisable to reserve the subject of their rela¬
tive rank for further arrangement.

“ I am, sir, with respect, your obedient servant,

James McHenry.

“Mr. George W. P. Custis.”

Mr. Custis was soon afterward promoted to the posi¬
tion of aid-de-camp to General Charles Cotesworth Pinck

MEMOIR OF

ney, of South Carolina, with the rank of colonel. But
he was never called into active service ; and a few
months afterward he was sorely bereaved by the death
of his illustrious foster-father. That event occurred on
the fourteenth of December, 1799, and the adopted son
became a prospective executor of that great man’s will.*
Mount Vernon continued to be his home until after the
death of his grandmother, when he commenced the erec¬
tion of a beautiful mansion at Arlington, an estate of a
thousand acres, left him by his father, and lying upon
the west side of the Potomac, opposite Washington city.
There he resided until his death. It is a most lovely
spot, overlooking the Potomac ; and from the noble por¬
tico, that adorns its front, so conspicuous from every
point of the federal city and its vicinity, he saw that city
grow into its present grand proportions, from a humble
and uninteresting village.

At the age of twenty-three, Mr. Custis married Mary
Lee Fitzhugh, a lady whose many virtues endeared
her to all who came within the circles of her in¬
fluence, and who will ever live in the memory of her
friends. While the pen of filial affection may not
be trusted in delineating a character so beloved, it

* In the last clause of his will, Washington said : “I constitute and appoint my
dearly beloved wife, Martha Washington, my nephews, William Augustine Washing¬
ton, Bushrod Washington, George Steptoe Washington, Samuel Washington, and
Lawrence Lewis, and my ward, George Washington Parke Custis (when he shall
have arrived at the age of twenty-one years), executrix and executors of this my
last Will and Testament.” The will was signed and sealed on the ninth of July,
1799. In it was the following clause : “I give and bequeath to George Washing¬
ton Parke Custis, the grandson of my wife, and my ward, and to his heirs, the tract
I hold on Four-mile run, in the vicinity of Alexandria, containing one thousand and
two hundred acres, more or less, and my entire square, No. 21, in the city of Wash¬
ington.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

may be pardoned for transcribing the following testi¬
mony of a friend : —

“To the Editors of the National Intelligencer :

“ Savannah, May 16, 1853.

“ Gentlemen : Allow me from this distant city to place
an humble wreath, bedewed with many tears, on the
grave of the best of friends. Since no one living could
do justice to the character of that eminent lady, whose
decease has spread the gloom of night through all the
halls of . Arlington, tremblingly I shrink from the at¬
tempt to recall and trace out, even faintly, that most rare
combination of virtues and graces which, as no modesty
or humility could conceal, no language can adequately
portray.

“ Happy in her descent from the union of Fitzhugh,
of Chatham (the friend of Washington), a gentleman
unsurpassed for dignity and courtesy of manners by
any who enjoyed the society of Mount Yernon, with
one of the most beautiful, accomplished, and religious
ladies that ever bore the name of Randolph, all the in¬
structions and associations, the habits and studies of her
childhood and youth, were suited to nurture those just
principles and pure and generous sentiments which ever
pervaded and adorned her entire character. Early al¬
lied by marriage to a gentleman bred up in Mount Yer¬
non while the spot was the home of the father of his
country — a gentleman whose genius, taste, eloquence,
and courtesy, have attracted multitudes from this and far
distant lands to that mansion, wdiere, alas, he now sits in
sorrow and darkness — she dedicated herself to those
gentle offices, quiet duties, and daily graceful ministries
of love, so becoming to her station and her sex.

MEMOIR OF

“ Those who best knew this lamented lady will testify
to a charming simplicity and sincerity, expressed in her
aspect, manners, and conversation, blended with a ma¬
jesty of goodness far surpassing the fairest creations of
the painter’s or the poet’s art. Her clear and compre¬
hensive reason, ever submissive as a child to the teach¬
ings of its Author ; her integrity never wavering and
without guile ; the purity of all her motives and affec¬
tions; the energy of purpose with which she applied
herself to duty, and that constant cheerfulness which
made to her all duty pleasure, rendered her judgment
on all moral questions well-nigh infallible, and gave se¬
renity, consistency, and incomparable beauty to her life.
For a period of thirty years the writer recollects no in¬
stance in which this distinguished Christian lady erred
in judgment on any question of taste, propriety, or duty.
Her example was a light, never declining, and never
eclipsed, which the wise could not hesitate to follow, nor
less serious observers to feel and admire. She was fa¬
miliarly acquainted with the best English literature, and
read much, though very careful to select works of un¬
blemished and established reputation, and confining her¬
self mainly, toward the close of her life, to books on
practical religion and to Christian biography. But infi¬
nitely beyond all the writings of men she valued the
word of God. This was her daily companion, study, and
guide, and in the law of God wTas her meditation and
delight all the day. She had a remarkably quick per¬
ception of beauty and sublimity in composition, art, or
nature ; and whenever she discerned these qualities, joy
lighted up her countenance with a radiance pure and
gentle as that shed through the windows of a cathedral

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

from holy fire upon its altar. No member of the Pro¬
testant Episcopal church, was more ardently attached to
its solemn worship and communion, while she embraced
in her affectionate regards the whole company of Christ’s
disciples, never doubting the unity of his kingdom, or that
to his church there is hut one Head, and though many
members, but one Body.

“ Precious to her were all the services of the sanctu¬
ary. She loved its very gates; she entered them with joy
and thanksgiving ; her soul was filled with reverence of
the heavenly King in those sacred courts where his
honor dwelleth. What disciple present with her in the
house of God, what casual observer, what stranger, what
child has not been instructed, felt his soul warmed by
the manner, the fervor of her heart-penetrating devo¬
tion ?

“ But how can I speak of her as she shone at home,
and in the midst of her family and friends ? She was a
guardian-angel to the objects of her love, and when she
left them it was like the going down of the sun for ever.
Joy was turned into heaviness, and songs into the voice
of them that weep. The fresh flowers of spring seemed
to loose their fragrance, to fade and become withered
when ceased that beautiful life, more fragrant even in
memory than the roses or precious odors, gums and
spices of Cashmere, Ceylon, or 6 Araby the blest.’ Though
her life was not short, as was said by Atterbury of Lady
Cutts, 6 her death was sudden ; she was called in haste
and without any warning ; one day she drooped and the
next she died ; nor was there the difference of many
hours between her being very easy in this world and
very happy in another/ Her duties all discharged, the

MEMOIR OF

cause of benevolence and religion, aided by habitual and
generous gifts and earnest prayers, her work all well
done, her lamps well trimmed and brightly burning, she
obeyed the summons. Truly was it said in that great
hour, a { purer spirit never left this world for the man¬
sions of heaven.’

“A volume would be insufficient to describe those in¬
numerable acts of courtesy, kindness, and beneficence
which adorned and enobled the life of Mrs. Custis ; a life
retired from general observation, but widely extended
in the power of its influence, and, as we doubt not, in
the importance of its results. We have read of Lady
Russell, the magnanimous daughter of the good Earl of
Southampton; of Mrs. Ramsay, the devout and judicious
companion of the historian of South Carolina ; we have
admired the fortitude and genius of Madame Roland;
the mystical but sublime piety of Madame Guion, the
charming grace and tenderness of Klopstock’s wife, and
many other touching portraits of female excellence ;
but in all the elements of a character to be loved,
trusted, and imitated, a character to grow brighter by
study and time, to be handed down with increasing hon¬
ors to future ages, and stand in serene beauty among
the ruins of the world, we find none in the annals of
female biography to surpass that of her on whose dust
we lay this poor offering of a sad but grateful heart.” *

Mr. and Mrs. Custis had four children, all daughters,
only one of whom (Mary Custis, wife of Colonel Robert
E. Lee of the United States army) survived the period
of infancy. Upon her the fondest affections of both
parents were centred. From her father she never

* Mrs. Custis died at Arlington on the 23d of April, 1853.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS. % 57

received an unkind word. He was endowed with an
even temper and remarkably buoyant spirit ; and tow¬
ard his family, his servants, his friends, and the world,
there was a constant outflow of kindly feeling from his
warm and generous heart.

Identifying himself with the past, through the power
of strong association, he scarcely seemed to live in the
present, though deeply interested in the current events
of the day. He exercised an unbounded hospltability,
and loved to pour forth to his delighted auditors the
treasures of his richly -stored mind and wonderful mem¬
ory. He had a happy faculty for expressing his thoughts
by both pen and voice ; and this was exercised at a very
early period of his life, as is indicated in the following
letter from the eminent General Henry Lee, of the revo¬
lution, written to him early in the year 1800, when
young Custis ^vyas not quite nineteen years of age : —

w- “Philad’a, 16 FeVy.

“ Hear Sir : Your polite note, acconrpanying your feel¬
ing address to the youth of America, was duly received.
The perusal gave me much pleasure.

“ The sentiments which it breathes do honor to your
heart; and I ardently pray a similar spirit may pervade
the rising generation throughout these states.

“ I wished to have sent the paper to the press here ;
but, referring to your letter, I find no permission of that
sort, and therefore have confined my communication of
it to my own circle. With best wishes for your welfare,
I am your friend and obt. servant,

"Henry Lee.”

The address alluded to was on the subject of the death

MEMOIR OF

of Washington; and its eulogist had recently pronounced
an admirable oration on the same subject; before the fed¬
eral Congress; by invitation of that body.

Possessed of a quick and lively imagination; Mr. Custis
sometimes employed a leisure hour in penning poetic
effusions; and on several occasions; at the earnest solici¬
tations of friends, he composed dramas, to be acted for a
specific purpose. The following letter to his wife, in re¬
lation to one of these efforts, exhibits in a remarkable
manner the facility with which he could put his thoughts
into shape ; and also the kindness of his nature. His
wife was then on a visit to the family of the now vener¬
able Bishop Meade : —

“Arlington, 12 Sept’r, 1833.

"My Dearest Wife: Your letter has been received,
giving an account of your pleasurable trip) through Fau¬
quier, and safe arrival among your friends in Frederick.
Your account of the^ppearance of the venerable Chief-
Justice Marshall is particularly interesting. If you had
written a little more in detail, I would have composed a
fragment upon it, entitled 6 A Scene in Fauquier .’ Dear,
glorious old man ! I wish he could lay his patriarchal
hands upon our boy, and bless him. You know Lafay¬
ette’s triumph in this country is attributed to his having
received a blessing from the ‘ mother,’ on his departure,
in 1784.

" I shall hear from my dear Mary and her boy to-day,
and, if there is anything to communicate, I will write
again in a day or two. If you do not hear from me in
quick time, you may conclude all are well.

" Remember me kindly and affectionately to the good
bishop, and the excellent people around you. Health

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

attend you, dearest wife ! Happiness I know you have
wherever you are.

“ Write often, and believe me always yours, &c.,

“G. W. P. Custis.

“P. S. — I have made a great mental effort lately, but
I am sure you and the bishop will think my energies
might have been better employed. I had promised the
poor rogues of actors a play for the 12th Sept,, the anni¬
versary of the battle of North Point ; but, finding myself
not in the vein , I wrote to them to defer it. On Monday,
9th, the manager came on from Baltimore, and entreated
me to prepare something for the 12th, as it would put
six or seven hundred dollars in his pocket. On Monday
not a line was finished. At five o’clock I commenced,
and wrote until twelve ; rose the next morning at five,
and by seven sent off by the stages a two-act piece, with
two songs and a finale, called North Point , or Baltimore
Defended , the whole completed in nine hours. It is to
be played to-night. To-morrow I shall hear of its suc¬
cess.

“The principal female character is called Marietta;
runs away from her father, disguised as a rifle-boy, &c., &c.

“ To Mrs. M. L. Custis,

“ Mountain View, near Millwood,

“ Frederick county, Virginia.”

Mr. Custis’s private correspondence was written with
much ease and grace, and always manifested the vivacity
of his temperament. His letters to his family are of a
character so purely domestic, that they would have no
interest to the public. The following, having relation to
another of his literary productions (which aj3pears among
the Recollections ), may with propriety be introduced here :

MEMOIR OF

“Arlington, 1 §th July , 1833.

"My Dearest Wife and Daughter: Your letter arrived
yesterday. It is not in my power to go down to-day ;
but if nothing occurs, and you remain in your present
mind, I will go in the next boat for you, though I can
only remain until the following Wednesday. God knows
I can be nowhere happier than with my dear children
and precious grandson ; and, again, the garrison and mili¬
tary matters, the sea-prospect, vessels, &c., all conspire to
make a sojourn at the Point a most pleasurable thing to
me ; but a hard necessity compels me to the constant su¬
perintendence of my affairs at home. I hope another
year, if I make a tolerable sale of my lands in Stafford
and Westmoreland, to be more prosperous.

" I have been requested to write a short biography of
my grandmother, to be accompanied by a splendid en¬
graving from one of my originals, for Longacre’s work,
called The National Gallery of Portraits , and have consent¬
ed to do it. I have written nothing and painted scarcely
anything, but have read all the time. I have not been
on my farm ; go to bed exactly at ten, rise at six, break¬
fast at seven, and dine at two. I find myself often call¬
ing that darling boy in rny reveries. Give him grandpa’s
kiss and blessing ; and that God may bless you all, prays
your husband and father, G. W. P. Custis.

“ To Mrs. M. L. Custis,

“ Old Point Comfort, Virginia.

"P. S. — My Puss has returned, sadly beaten by wild¬
cats.”

Mr. Custis’s talent for oratory was brilliant ; and, had
due attention been paid to its cultivation, he would doubt*
less have ranked among the first in the land. His

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

speeches, upon many occasions, would fill a volume.
One of the earliest of those which have been preserved,
was on the occasion of the funeral solemnities held at
Georgetown, in the District of Columbia, on the first of
September, 1812, in honor of General James M. Lingan,
a worthy soldier of the Revolution, who was killed by a
political mob, in Baltimore, on the twenty-eighth of July,
1812. This funeral oration was extemporaneous.* Of it
a contemporary said: "It riveted the attention of the
audience. The solemn stillness which reigned was only
interrupted by sighs and tears. We can compare the
eloquence of Mr. Custis with nothing but the supposed
eloquence of antiquity. His words possess the fire of
Demosthenes, and his actions the grace of Cicero. Old
warriors, who had almost forgotten how to weep, felt the
stream of sympathy stealing down their furrowed cheeks,
while their deep, scarred breasts heaved with convulsive
sobs. Every period glowed with inspiration.”

Not long after this (fifth of June, 1813), he was called
to address a large audience at Georgetown, assembled to
celebrate the then recent Russian victories over Napo¬
leon.^- In that address Mr. Custis displayed, according to
his contemporaries, some of the most noble characteris¬
tics of true oratory ; and it drew from the Russian min¬
ister at W ashington the following letter : —

“Washington, the 7th June , 1813.

" Sir : In delivering your oration on the occasion of
the celebration of the Russian victories, you have been
guided by the motives of an enlightened and indepen¬
dent patriot. The subject of it could not fail to be high¬
ly interesting to every friend of humanity and virtue ;
and you must have been highly gratified on perceiving

* See Note ii., p. 571. t See Note iii., p. 585.

MEMOIR OF

the strong impression produced upon your respectable
audience by the dignified, touching, and eloquent man¬
ner you presented it to their minds. You succeeded in
making them fully sympathize with the distresses of my
countrymen who have so bravely stemmed the homicidal
hurricane raised from the revolutionary den of France,
and made them magnanimously rejoice with us for hav¬
ing crushed the most impious attempt against our na¬
tional independence. You may imagine, sir, what effect
it produced upon the hearts of those whose cradles have
been burned with their beloved Moscow, and whose tears
can only be assuaged by their enemy’s blood.

“ Permit me to express to you my gratitude, that of
my family, and of all my countrymen who shall peruse
your oration, for the zeal and interest you have displayed
in our cause ; and allow me to send you a small medal,
with the likeness of Alexander the First, the only one
which is now in my possession. I can not give you a
greater token of the value I set on your acquaintance.

“I have the honor to be with the most sincere and
high consideration,

“Sir, your very humble and obedient servant,

“A. Daschkoff.

“ P. S. — You would confer on me a great obligation, if
you permit me to take a copy of your oration (should
it be not printed), which I would like to send to Russia
by the first favorable opportunity.”

Mr. Custis was often called upon to speak in public,
at every period of his life, nor did age seem to diminish
the ardor of his feelings. When in December, 1855, the
Amoskeag Veterans of Manchester, New Hampshire,

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

joined their surviving companions in arms during the
war of 1812, at Washington city, Mr. Custis was an
honored guest among them. He accompanied them,
and a large concourse of citizens, to Mount Vernon.
The whole company went down from Washington city
in steamers. On that occasion, Mr. Custis wore the
epaulette which Washington placed upon his shoulder
in 1798, as a cornet of horse. “At Alexandria,” said
the Washington Evening Star , “a large concourse of citi¬
zens assembled who listened with gratification to the
stirring strains of the band. Fort Washington was soon
reached, and, landing to the tune of ‘ Yankee Doodle,’
the party took possession of the stronghold, no sentinel
appearing to challenge their right.

“As the boat approached the wharf at Mount Vernon,
the band played the ( Dead March in Saul,’ but on land¬
ing, at the especial request of Mr. Custis, the solemn
notes were changed into the more inspiring c Washing¬
ton’s Grand March.’ Ascending the hill the long column
uncovered, and with reverential tread passed the hal¬
lowed spot —

“ ( Where rest the ashes of the noblest man,

That ever freeman mourned since time began ;

Whose lofty virtues in no age surpassed,

Have blessed our own age and shall bless the last/

“ Countermarching, the battalion repaired to a level
space near the tomb, where it was formed in hollow
square, and ably addressed by Colonel Potter, who im¬
pressed on every mind the privilege in being permitted
to gaze on the sacred place, where rest the remains of
him, who was c first in war, first in peace, and first in the
hearts of his countrymen.’ He dwelt upon his virtues,

MEMOIR OF

remarking, that he saw ( no north, no south, no east, no
west.’ He concluded by introducing the only surviving
member of the Washington family, G. W. P. Custis, Esq.

“Loud applause greeted Mr. Custis, who was listened
to with deep attention, as he recalled his interesting re¬
miniscences of the illustrious owner of the locality near
whose last resting-place they stood. It was an interest¬
ing scene to see this living relic of the past surrounded
by the veterans, many of them near their last campaign.”*

At an early period he became much interested in
the improvement of the breed of sheep. Colonel
David Humphreys, American minister at Madrid, had
recently introduced the fine-wooled Merino sheep into
the United States. Mr. Custis saw the great advantages
that his country might derive from the cultivation of
fine wool, and the establishment of manufactories of cloth,
and in 1803 he inaugurated an annual convention for
the promotion of agriculture and domestic manufactures,
known throughout the country by the title of “ Arlington
Sheep-Shearing.” These gatherings were at Arlington
spring, a large fountain of living waters that gushes from

* There is no copy of this speech to be found among the papers of Mr. Custis. It
was doubtless the immediate and unpremeditated outpourings of his heart. Colonel
Potter, in a letter to Mr. Lossing, dated January 10, 1859, alluding to this speech,
says : —

“ This was among his best, if not the very best of his public speeches. It was on
an interesting occasion, and his friends called it his happiest effort. I was. in com¬
mand of the battalion of ‘veterans/ and during our whole march from Manchester,
N. H., to Mount Vernon, when the best speakers were in requisition at Worcester,
Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, I heard no speech that in matter and
manner equalled his in true eloquence. Among the hundreds present there was not
a dry eye. Men of iron, in my own corps, who probably had never wept since boy¬
hood, were overcome, and shed tears like boys, the drops standing upon their bronzed
cheeks like dew in early morning. True, the time and place had its effect, but
there was true eloquence in the speech itself.”

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

beneath the shade of a venerable oak, not far from the
banks of the Potomac. There, for many years, on the
thirtieth of April, the annual shearing took place. A
large concourse of people would assemble to partici¬
pate in or witness the ceremonies. Toasts were drank,
speeches were made, and prizes, provided at the sole ex¬
pense of Mr. Custis, were distributed among those who
presented the best specimens of sheep or wool, and do¬
mestic manufactures. These were the first prizes ever
offered for such objects in America. Under the great war-
tent of Washington, yet preserved at Arlington house,
many of the noblest men of the land have assembled on
these festivals, when they and the entire concourse were
entertained in a most generous manner by the host, who
usually made a stirring speech appropriate to the occasion.
In one of them he said, prophetically : “ America shall be
great and free, and minister to her own wants by the
employment of her own resources. The citizen of my
country will proudly appear, when clothed in the pro¬
duce of his native soil.” It must be remembered that, at
that time, every yard of broadcloth worn in the United
States was imported from Europe.

The following letters to Mr. Custis, from Mr. Madison
(then secretary of state, and soon afterward president of
the United States), possess an interest in this connec¬
tion : —

“Mr. Madison has received Mr. Custis’s note of the
30th ultimo, with the specimen of fine wool accompany¬
ing it. He offers for himself the thanks to which Mr.
Custis is entitled, from all his fellow-citizens, for his laud¬
able and encouraging efforts to increase and improve an
animal which contributes a material so precious to the

MEMOIR OP

independent comfort and prosperity of our country.
Mr. Madison wishes that Mr. Custis may be amply grati¬
fied in the success of his improving experiments, and
that his patriotic example may find as many followers as
it merits.

“Washington, August 2, 1807.”

" 1 have been duly favored, dear sir, with yours of the
7th. Not having taken with me to Virginia a sample of
the Smith’s island wool, which you were so good as to
furnish me, I can not judge of its merit by comparison
with the fleeces in the part of the country where I dwell.
I regret it the more, as I have always considered them
as among the best in point of fineness, though not of
weight, which the American flocks yield. It gives me
pleasure to find your attention to this interesting subject
does not relax, and that you are so successfully inviting
to it other public-spirited gentlemen.

“ I remain, sir, with great respect and esteem,

66 Your most obedient humble servant,

"James Madison.

“Washington, October 10, 1807.”

The beautiful flock of fine sheep upon the Arlington
farm were preyed upon by thieves and dogs, until their
number was reduced to two. These, in the language of
the owner, " long ranged over the hills of Arlington in
solitary state.” Until the close of his life, Mr. Custis
took great interest in agricultural affairs, and was for
several years previous to that event, an active member,
and one of the vice-presidents of the United States Agri¬
cultural Society.

In the war of 1812, he served as a volunteer to
oppose the British when they penetrated Maryland,

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

and ascended the Potomac, to attack Washington city.
He would never accept any pay for his services; and
while assisting the veterans of that war in prosecuting
their claims upon the government, he withdrew his own.

When Lafayette came to the United States, in 1824,
as the guest of the nation, Mr. Custis was among those
who met him at the federal capital as a personal friend.
True, his recollection of the illustrious Frenchman, while
on his last visit to Mount Yernon in the autumn of 1784,
was dim and shadowy, yet. the son of that hero and bene¬
factor, who now accompanied him, and who bore the name
of George Washington, had been the companion of his
youthful days at Mount Yernon, when Lafayette was in
exile* Mr. Custis spent much time with the illustrious
guest at Arlington and elsewhere. At the tomb of
Washington, in the presence of a large number of per¬
sons, he presented Lafayette with a ring, in which was
some of the hair of the Pater Patriae. The presentation
was accompanied by some touching remarks, to which
Lafayette responded in the most feeling manner. An
account of the proceedings on that occasion may be found
in the Appendix.

After the departure of the illustrious guest from

* The following letter written by the younger Lafayette, while in this country, to
Mr. Custis, is preserved among others, at Arlington : —

“Washington City, January the third, 1825.

“ My dear Custis : My father being able to dispose of himself on Wednesday,
will do himself the pleasure of going that day to dine at Arlington. It is so long since
I wished for that satisfaction myself, that I most sincerely rejoice at the anticipation
of it. You know, my friend, how happy I was when we met at Baltimore. Since
that day, I felt every day more and more, how much our two hearts were calculated
to understand each other. Be pleased, my dear Custis, to present my respectful
homage to the ladies, and receive for yourself the expression of my most affectionate
and brotherly sentiments.

“ G. W. Lafayette.”

MEMOIR OF

America, Mr. Custis wrote and published a series of
most entertaining articles, entitled, Conversations with
Lafayette. It was at that time that he conceived the
design of committing to paper his own recollections of
the private life of Washington, and the first of the series
was published in the National Intelligencer in 1826.

One of the principal amusements of Mr. Custis’s later
years, was painting revolutionary battle-scenes in which
Washington participated. Upon these he worked with
the greatest enthusiasm. Considering the circumstances
under which they were produced — painted without being
first composed’ or drawn in outline, by an entirely self-
taught hand more than threescore and ten years old —
they are remarkable. In general conception and group¬
ing, they are spirited and original. He was not disposed
to devote the time and labor requisite to their careful
execution, and therefore, as works of art merely, they
have but little merit. Their chief value lies in their
truthfulness to history in the delineation of events, inci¬
dents, and costumes. They are all at Arlington, six in
number, namely, battles of Trenton , Princeton , German-
town , and Monmouth , Washington at Yorktown. , and the Sur¬
render at Yorktown.

For some weeks previous to his death, Mr. Custis com¬
plained of debility and depression of spirits ; but even
then, he contemplated, with much pleasure, an excursion
to the great West, to attend the agricultural fair at
Louisville. Unwillingly was he compelled to relinquish
this design ; and only for four days did he occupy the bed
from which he never arose. His disease was pulmonary
pneumonia. Fully impressed with the belief that he
could not survive the attack, the terrors of death seemed

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

mercifully withdrawn, and with the gentleness and trust
of a child did he await its approach. Regarding his
daughter and her children who surrounded him, with
touching affection, he often alluded to his “ blessed wife,”
and her unceasing prayers for him. After a night of in¬
tense suffering and insensibility, he roused himself, and
with that transient gleam of light that usually pre¬
cedes dissolution. Solemnly he embraced each member
of his family, took leave of an old servant who attended
in his room, requested his pastor to be summoned, to
whom he avowed his belief and hope in the only atone¬
ment offered for sinners, with clasped hands joined in the
prayer for the dying, and then gently sunk to rest in the
seventy-seventh year of his age.

Thus expired, on the 10th of October, 1857, the last
male representative of his family — thus was broken for
ever a link between the illustrious Father of his Country
and the present generation.

“Palida mors a’quo pulsat pede pauperum tabernas,

Regum-que turres.”

The funeral of Mr. Custis took place at Arlington on
the 12th. “ As was anticipated,” said the National Intel¬

ligencer, “ the solemn event convened a numerous con¬
course of friends who had long been associated with the
venerable man, and who had enjoyed many pleasing
hours in listening to and witnessing the feelings of genu¬
ine patriotism which inspired him, as he related familiar
incidents in the life and character of the illustrious
Washington.

“ Besides the family and their particular friends, officers
of the army and navy, distinguished gentlemen of the
legal profession, residents of Washington, Georgetown,

MEMOIR OF

and Alexandria; as well as the neighbors of the deceased
for many miles around; thronged the parlors and halls.

Mount Yernon Guards of Alexandria/ the 6 Associ¬
ation of the Survivors of the War of 1812 of the Dis¬
trict of Columbia/ a delegation of the ‘Jamestown So¬
ciety of the District/ field and staff officers of the volun¬
teer-regiment; and the Washington light-infantry; with
their banners and fine martial music7 and a delegation
of the officers of the President’s mounted guard, all
travelled a distance of six miles to unite in the solemn
testimonials of respect.

“ The pall-bearers appointed were, William W. Seaton,
Philip R. Fendall, Cassius F. Lee, Bushrod W. Hunter,
Henry Dangerfield, and William B. Randolph.

? The religious services were conducted in an impres¬
sive manner by the Rev. C. B. Dana, of Christ church,
Alexandria, according to the usages of the Protestant
Episcopal church.

a The interment took jdace in a beautiful grove a short
distance from the mansion, after which all retired in
silence. The occasion awakened touching reminiscences
of many pleasant days spent at the celebrated 6 Spring
of Arlington.’ ”*

* The Arlington spring already mentioned, as the place of the annual sheep¬
shearing, was,- for many years, a point of great resort for picnic-parties from Wash¬
ington, Georgetown, and Alexandria; and a small boat, used for conveying parties
thither, was named “ G. W. P. Custis.” It was estimated that at some seasons,
from fifteen to twenty thousand people visited the spring on such occasions. Around
the spring is a beautiful shaded lawn ; and the generous proprietor, ever ready to
give happiness to others, erected a wharf for the public accommodation, a store¬
room, kitchen, dining-hall sixty feet in length, and a saloon of the same dimensions
for dancing in. No spiritous liquors were permitted to be sold there, and visiters
were not allowed there on the sabbath. All that he asked in return, was good be¬
havior, and a reciprocation of the kind feeling which made every class of respectable
citizens cordially welcome.

GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

The death of Mr. Custis produced a marked sensation
throughout the country. He was universally known,
beloved, and honored, as the “ child of Mount Vernon;”
and everywhere the press paid the tribute of most pro¬
found respect to his memory. a, For several years,” said
the National Intelligencer, in noticing his death, “ he had
stood alone in his relations to the Father of his Country,
ever anxious, with filial reverence and affection, to illus¬
trate his character, and from the rich stores of his never-
failing memory, to bring forward an annual tribute to
his immortal worth. Known and honored by his fellow-
countrymen, his departure will awaken universally a
profound regret.

“Born amid the great events of the Revolution, by
the death of his father (Colonel Custis, of the army, and
a son of Mrs. Washington by a former marriage), which
occurred near the close of the war, he found his home
during childhood and youth at Mount V ernon, where his
manners were formed after the noblest models ; and from
the great worthies of that period, frequent guests there,
he received impressions of wisdom and patriotism that
were never effaced. Under the counsels of Washington
he pursued his classical studies at Princeton, and when
deprived by death of his great guide and father (and
soon after of his revered grandmother), he devoted him¬
self to literary and agricultural pursuits on his ample
estate of Arlington.

“Mr. Custis was distinguished by an original genius
for eloquence, poetry, and the fine arts ; by a knowledge
of history, particularly the history of this country ; for
great powers of conversation, for an ever-ready and gen¬
erous hospitality, for kindness to the poor, for patriotism,

72 MEMOIR OF GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE CUSTIS.

for constancy of friendship, and for a more than filial
devotion to the memory and character of Washington.
His early speeches on the death of General Lingan and
the overthrow of Napoleon were everywhere read and
admired, even by those who dissented from the senti¬
ments, for the beauty of their conception and their
impassioned eloquence. Those familiar with the columns
of this journal will not forget how largely we, and the
country, are indebted to the warm and ever-cheerful
spirit of the deceased for many invaluable reminiscences
of Eevolutionary history, of the distinguished men of
those times, and especially of the private life of their
glorious chief in the retirement of the shades of his
home at Mount Vernon.

“ Thousands from this country, and from foreign lands,
who have visited Arlington to commune with our de¬
parted friend, and look upon the touching memorials
there treasured up with care, of him who was first in the
hearts of his countrymen, will not forget the charm
thrown over all by the ease, grace, interest, and vivacity
of the manners and conversation of him whose voice,
alas! is silent now. The multitudes of our fellow-citi¬
zens accustomed, in the heat of summer, to resort to the
shades of Arlington, will hereafter miss that old man
eloquent, who ever extended to them a warm-hearted
welcome and became partaker of their joy.”

In stature, Mr. Custis was of medium height, and well-
formed; his complexion fair and somewhat florid; his
eyes light and expressive of great kindliness of nature r
his voice full, rich, and melodious ; his deportment grace¬
ful and winning ; his courtesy to strangers extremely cor¬
dial ; and his affection for his friends, warm and abiding.

CORRESPONDENCE

BETWEEN

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

Philadelphia, 15th November , 1796.

Dear Washington : Yesterday’s mail brought me your
letter of the 12th instant, and under cover of this letter
you will receive a ten-dollar bill, to purchase a gown, &c.,
if proper. But as the classes may be distinguished by a
different insignia, I advise you not to provide these with¬
out first obtaining the approbation of your tutors ; other¬
wise you may be distinguished more by folly, than by
the dress.*

It affords me pleasure to hear that you are agreeably
fixed ; and I receive still more from the assurance you
give of attending closely to your studies. It is you
yourself who is to derive immediate benefit from these.
Your country may do it hereafter. The more knowl¬
edge you acquire, the greater will be the probability of
your succeeding in both, and the greater will be your
thirst for more.

I rejoice to hear you went through your examination

* Young Custis, was a student in Princeton college, New Jersey, at that time,
and Washington, then president of the United States, was residing in Philadelphia,
that being the federal city.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

with propriety, and have no doubt but that the president
has placed you in the class which he conceived best
adapted to the present state of your improvement. The
more there are above yon, the greater your exertions
should be to ascend ; but let your promotion result from
your own application, and from intrinsic merit, not from
the labors of others. The last would prove fallacious,
and expose you to the reproach of the daw in borrowed
feathers. This would be inexcusable in you, because
there is no occasion for it; forasmuch, as you need
nothing but the exertion of the talents you possess, with
proper directions, to acquire all that is necessary ; and
the hours allotted for study, if properly improved, will
enable you to do this. Although the confinement may
feel irksome at first, the advantages resulting from it, to
a reflecting mind, will soon overcome it.

Endeavor to conciliate the good will of all your fellow-
students, rendering them every act of kindness in your
power. Be particularly obliging and attentive to your
chamber-mate, Mr. Forsyth; who, from the account I
have of him, is an admirable young man, and strongly
impressed with the importance of a liberal and finished
education. But above all, be obedient to your tutors,
and in a particular manner respect the president of the
seminary, who is both learned and good.

For any particular advantages you may derive from
the attention and aid of Mr. Forsyth, I shall have a dis¬
position to reward. One thing more and I will close this
letter. Never let an indigent person ask, without re¬
ceiving something , if you have the means ; always recol¬
lecting in what fight the widow’s mite was viewed.

Your grandmother, sister, and all here are well, and

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS. 75

feeling a strong interest in your welfare, join most cordi¬
ally with me in every good wish for it.

Affectionately,

I am your sincere friend,

G. Washington.

Mr. Geo. Washington Parke Custis.

Philadelphia, 28 th November, 1796.

Dear Washington : In a few hasty lines, covering your
sister’s letter and a comb, on Saturday last, I promised to
write more fully to you by the post of this day. I am
now in the act of performing that promise.

The assurances you give me of applying diligently to
your studies, and fulfilling those obligations which are
enjoined by your Creator and due to his creatures, are
highly pleasing and satisfactory to me. I rejoice in it on
two accounts ; first, as it is the sure means of laying the
foundation of your own happiness, and rendering you, if
it should please God to spare your life, a useful member
of society hereafter ; and secondly, that I may, if I live
to enjoy the pleasure, reflect that I have been, in some
degree, instrumental in effecting these purposes.

You are now extending into that stage of life when
good or bad habits are formed. When the mind will be
turned to things useful and praiseworthy, or to dissipa¬
tion and vice. Fix on whichever it may, it will stick by
you ; for you know it has been said, and truly, “ that as
the twig is bent so it will grow.” This, in a strong point
of view, shows the propriety of letting your inexperience
be directed by maturer advice, and in placing guard upon
the avenues which lead to idleness and vice. The latter
will approach like a thief, working upon your passions :
encouraged, perhaps, by bad examples; the propensity

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

to which will increase in proportion to the practice of it
and your yielding. This admonition proceeds from the
purest affection for you ; but I do not mean by it, that
you are to become a stoic, or to deprive yourself in the
intervals of study of any recreations or manly exercise
which reason approves.

’Tis well to be on good terms with all your fellow-
students, and I am pleased to hear you are so, but while
a courteous behavior is due to all, select the most de¬
serving only for your friendships, and before this becomes
intimate, weigh their dispositions and character well.
True friendship is a plant of slow growth ; to be sincere,
there must be a congeniality of temper and pursuits.
Virtue and vice can not be allied ; nor can idleness and
industry ; of course, if you resolve to adhere to the two
former of these extremes, an intimacy with those who
incline to the latter of them, would be extremely embar¬
rassing to you ; it would be a stumbling-block in your
way, and act like a millstone hung to your neck, for it
is the nature of idleness and vice to obtain as many
votaries as they can.

I would guard you, too, against imbibing hasty and
unfavorable impressions of any one. Let your judgment
always balance well, before you decide ; and even then,
where there is no occasion for expressing an opinion, it
is best to be silent, for there is nothing more certain
than that it is at all times more easy to make enemies
than friends. And besides, to speak evil of any one, un¬
less there is unequivocal proofs of their deserving it, is
an injury for which there is no adequate reparation.
For, as Shakespeare says, “ He that robs me of my good
name enriches not himself, but renders me poor indeed,”

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

or words to that effect. Keep in mind that scarcely any
change would be agreeable to yon at first from the sud¬
den transition, and from never having been accustomed
to shift or rough it. And, moreover, that if you meet
with collegiate fare, it will be unmanly to complain.
My paper reminds me it is time to conclude.

Affectionately,

Your sincere friend,

G. Washington.

P. S. — I presume you received my letter covering a
ten-dollar bill to pay for your gown, although it is not
mentioned. To acknowledge the receipt of letters is al¬
ways proper, to remove doubts of their miscarriage.

Philadelphia, 19 th December , 1796.

Dear Washington: I am not certain whether I have
written to you since the receipt of your letter of the first
instant, for, as my private letters are generally despatched
in a hurry, and copies not often taken, I have nothing to
resort to, to refresh my memory ; be this, however, as it
may, we are always glad to hear from you, though we
do not wish that letter-writing should interfere with your
more useful and profitable occupations. The pleasure of
hearing you were well, in good spirits, and progressing
as we could wish in your studies, was communicated by
your letter of the fourteenth instant, to your grandmamma;
but what gave me particular satisfaction, was to find that
you were going to commence, or had commenced a course
of reading with Doctor Smith,* of such books as he

* Samuel Stanhope Smith, then president of Princeton college, was a distinguish¬
ed Presbyterian clergyman. He was born at Pequea, Pennsylvania, in March, 1750 ;
was educated at his father’s academy ; entered Princeton college when in his six¬
teenth year; took the degree of bachelor of arts in 1769, when he was graduated;

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

had chosen for the purpose. The first is very desirable,
the other indispensable ; for, besides the duty enjoined
upon you by the instructions of your preceptors, whilst
your own judgment is locked up in immaturity ; you now
have a peculiar advantage in the attentions of Doctor
Smith to you, who, being a man of learning and taste
himself, will select such authors and subjects, as will lay
the foundation of useful knowledge ; let me impress it
upon you, therefore, again and again, not only to yield
implicit obedience to his choice and instructions in this
respect, but to the course of studies also, and that you
would pursue both with zeal and steadiness. Light
reading (by this, I mean books of little importance)
may amuse for the moment, but leaves nothing solid
behind.

The same consequences would follow from inconstancy
and want of steadiness — for ’tis to close application and
constant perseverance, men of letters and science are in¬
debted for their knowledge and usefulness ; and you are
now at that period of life (as I have observed to you in a
former letter) when these are to be acquired, or lost for
ever. But as you are well acquainted with my sentiments
on this subject, and know how anxious all your friends are

and soon afterward became a tutor in the college. There he remained two years,
studying theology at the same time, when he became a licensed minister, and entered
upon missionary labors in the western counties of Virginia. He was very popular,
and was selected to preside over the new college of Hampden Sidney , in Prince Ed¬
ward county, Virginia. He was chosen professor of moral philosophy in Princeton
college, in 1779 ; and after laboring successfully for several years as vice-president, to
build up the college, and as a clergymen for the interests of the Presbyterian church,
he was chosen, in 1795, president of the college, in place of Doctor Witherspoon,
who had died the preceding year. Ill health compelled him to relinquish his charge,
in 1812, and in August, 1819, he died, at the age of nearly seventy years. Doctor
Smith was distinguished for his great goodness, thorough scholarship, polished man¬
ners, eloquence as a preacher, and elegance and perspicuity as a writer.

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

to see you enter upon the grand theatre of life, with the
advantages of a finished education, a highly cultivated
mind, and a proper sense of your duties to God and
man, I shall only add one sentiment more before I close
this letter (which, as I have others to write, will hardly
be in time for the mail), and that is, to pay due respect
and obedience to your tutors, and affectionate reverence
to the president of the college, whose character merits
your highest regards. Let no bad example, for such is
to be met in all seminaries, have an improper influence
upon your conduct. Let this be such, and let it be your
pride, to demean yourself in such a manner as to obtain
the good will of your superiors, and the love of your
fellow-students.

Adieu — I sincerely wish you well, being your attached
and affectionate friend,

G. Washington.

To Mr. Geo. Washington Custis.

Philadelphia, 11 th January , 1797.

Dear Washington : I hasten to acknowledge the re¬
ceipt of your letter, dated the 7th instant, but which did
not get to my hands until yesterday, and to express to
you the sincere pleasure I feel in finding that I had in¬
terpreted some parts of your letters erroneously. As
you have the best and most unequivocal evidence the
case is susceptible of, that I have no other object in view
by extending my cares and advice to you than what will
redound to your own respectability, honor, and future
happiness in life, so be assured, that while you give me
reasons to expect a ready submission to my counsels, and
while I hear that you are diligent in pursuing the means
which are to acquire these advantages, it will afford me

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

infinite gratification. Your last letter is replete with
assurances of this nature — I place entire confidence in
them. They have removed all the doubts which were
expressed in my last letter to you, and let me repeat it
again, have conveyed very pleasing sensations to my
mind.

It was not my wish to check your correspondences —
very far from it; for with proper characters (and none
surely can be more desirable than with your papa and
Mr. Lear), and on proper subjects, it will give you a
habit of expressing your ideas upon all occasions with
facility and correctness. I meant no more, by telling
you we should be content with hearing from you once a
week, than that these correspondences were not to be
considered as an injunction or an imposition, thereby in¬
terfering with your studies or concerns of a more im¬
portant nature. So far am I from discountenancing
writing of any kind (except upon the principle above-
mentioned), that I should be pleased to hear, and you
yourself might derive advantages from a short diary
(recorded in a book) of the occurrences which happen
to you within your sphere. Trifling as this may appear
at first view, it may become an introduction to more in¬
teresting matters. At any rate, by carefully preserving
these, it would afford you more satisfaction in a retro¬
spective view, than what you may conceive at present.

Another thing I would recommend to you — not be¬
cause I want to know how you spend your money — and
that is, to keep an account-book, and enter therein every
farthing of your receipts and expenditures. The doing
of which would initiate you into a habit, from which con¬
siderable advantages would result. Where no account

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

of this sort is kept, there can be no investigation ; no cor¬
rection of errors ; no discovery from a recurrence thereto,
wherein too much, or too little, has been appropriated to
particular uses. From an early attention to these mat¬
ters, important and lasting benefits may follow.

We are all well, and all unite in best wishes for you;
and with sincere affection I am always yours,

G. Washington.

Mr. G. Washington Oustis.

Nassau Hall, 2 5th March, 1797.

Dearest Sir : A letter from my sister this morning, in¬
formed me of your safe arrival at Mount Yernon, the
ignorance of which event has hitherto prevented me
from writing. I congratulate you on a thing so ardently
wished for by all those interested in your welfare. The
marks of approbation and esteem manifested in the man¬
ner of the different states through which you passed,
must have have been highly gratifying, and the pleasure
felt on reaching the destined haven must have rendered
your happiness complete.

The different studies I have passed through during
the winter, I am now reviewing ; and the evident good
effects resulting from an attention to them at first, are
now conspicuous. The examination will come on in a
fortnight, and immediately after the vacation will com¬
mence. The money you were so kind as to transmit for
my expenses, I shall receive at my departure, and keep
regular accounts of all expenditures. I shall start the
next day, and pass through Philadelphia without stop¬
ping, so that I can have twenty days to stay at home ;
my anxiety to attain this end will preponderate against
all other considerations. The Roman history I have

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

read, reviewed, and am perfect in. The translating
French has become quite familiar, and the great amount
of writing attending this exercise has improved my hand.
I have read a great many good authors this winter, and
have particularly studied Hume ; have obtained a tolerable
idea of geography, and, sir, in justice to myself and my
own endeavors, I think I have spent my time in a man¬
ner not to be complained of. I must confess I have not
made so much progress in arithmetic as I ought, owing
to a variety of circumstances, and the superficial man¬
ner in which I imbibed the first principles ; but in the
ensuing summer I shall make up the deficiency, and then
hope I shall have nothing to regret. If, sir, by remain¬
ing in Philadelphia I could serve you in any way, I will
do so with pleasure. For myself, I have no desire to
delay a moment. I conclude, by wishing you all health
and happiness. Remember me to all the family, and be¬
lieve me sincerely yours, G. W. P. Custis.

George Washington, Esq.

Mount Vernon, 3d April, 1797.

Dear Washington: Your letter of the 25th ultimo has
been duly received, and as your grandmamma or sister
will write to you by this post, I shall leave it to them to
furnish you with the details of our journey, and the
occurrences since our arrival.

It gives me singular pleasure to hear that your time
has been so well employed during the last winter, and
that you are so sensible of the good effects of it yourself.
If your improvement in other matters is equal to that
which is visible in your writing, it can not but be pleas¬
ing to your friends; for the change there, both in the
characters and diction is considerably for the better. A

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

perseverance in such a course will redound much to your
own benefit and reputation, and will make you at all
times a welcome guest at Mount Yernon.

I have nothing to do in which you could be usefully
employed in Philadelphia, and approve your determin¬
ation to delay no time at that or any other place on the
road, that you may have the more of it to spend among
your friends in this quarter, who are very anxious to see
you.

We are all in a litter and dirt, occasioned by joiners,
masons, and painters, working in the house, all parts of
which, as well as the out-buildings, I find upon examin¬
ation, to be exceedingly out of repairs.

I am always and affectionately yours,

G. Washington.

The following letter, as evincing General Washington’s
deep solicitude for his adopted son, is here inserted, al¬
though the occasion that called it forth is unknown, the
letter of Dr. Smith not being found among the corre¬
spondence

Mount Vernon, 24 th May , 1797.

Reverend and dear Sir : Your favor of the 18th instant
was received by the last post, the contents of wdiich,
relative to Mr. Custis, filled my mind (as you naturally
supposed it would) with extreme disquietude. From his
infancy I have discovered an almost unconquerable dis¬
position to indolence in everything that did not tend to
his amusements; and have exhorted him in the most
parental and friendly manner often, to devote his time to
more useful pursuits. His pride has been stimulated, and
his family expectations and wishes have been urged as

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

inducements thereto. In short, I could say nothing to
him now by way of admonition, encouragement, or ad¬
vice, that has not been repeated over and over again.

It is my earnest desire to keep him to his studies as
long as I am able, as well on account of the benefits he
will derive from them, as for the purpose of excluding
him from the company of idle and dissipated young men
until his judgment is more matured.

I can but thank you, sir, for your exertions to remove
the error of his present thoughts, and I shall hope for
your further endeavors to effect it. If you find, however,
that the attempt will be in vain, I shall rely on your
judgment to employ his time in such studies as you con¬
ceive will be most advantageous to him during his con¬
tinuance with you, and I know of none more likely to
prove so than those you have suggested, if his term at
college will close with the next vacation. With very
great esteem and regard, I am, reverend sir,

Your most obedient and very humble servant,

G. Washington.

The Reverend Doctor S. Smith.

Several letters must have been destroyed, as the
a error” referred to by Washington is not explained. If
we may judge from the following letter, it was forgiven .

Nassau Hall, 29 th May , 1797.

Dearest Sir: Words can not express my present sen¬
sations ; a heart overflowing with joy at the success of
conscience over disposition is all I have to give. Dearest
sir, did you but know the effect your letter has produced
it would give you as consummate pleasure as my former
one did pain. My very soul, tortured with the stings of

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

conscience, at length called reason to its aid, and happily
for me triumphed. That I shall ever recompense you
for the trouble I have occasioned, is beyond my hopes.
However, I will now make a grand exertion, and show
you that your grandson shall once more deserve your
favor. Could you but see how happy I now am, you
would soon forget all that is past, and let my future con¬
duct prove the truth of my assertions. Good God, how
just your letter ! but, alas, we are poor weak creatures,
and never believe what we do not feel. Could I hope
this would restore your peace of mind my happiness
would he complete. My time appears to me now too
short. I shall seize the present moments, and God grant
I may be a pleasure to my friends, family, and self. I
can not say too much on this subject, I wait for your
letter which I can already read. That I have abused
such goodness is shocking, that I shall ever do so again
I will risk my life. Confiding, dearest sir, in your equity
and fatherly affection, I subscribe myself, with the sin-
cerest and most heartfelt joy,

G. W. P. Custis.

Mount Vernon, 4 th June , 1797.

Your letter of the 29th ultimo, came to hand by the
post of Friday, and eased my mind of many unpleasant
sensations and reflections on your account. It has, in¬
deed, done more, it has filled it with pleasure more easy
to be conceived than expressed ; and if your sorrow and
repentance for the disquietude occasioned by the preced¬
ing letter, your resolution to abandon the ideas which
were therein expressed, are sincere, I shall not only
heartily forgive, but will forget also, and bury in ob¬
livion all that has passed.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

As a testimony of my disposition to do this — of the
hope I had conceived that reflection would overcome an
indolent habit or bad advice — not a hint respecting this
matter has been given to any of your friends in this
quarter, although Doctor Stuart* and your mother (with
their children) left this on Thursday last, after a stay of
a week, and both Mr. Law and Mr. Peter have been here
since the receipt of it. In a word, your grandmamma,
sister, and myself, are all who were acquainted there¬
with.

You must not suffer the resolution you have recently
entered into, to operate as the mere result of a moment¬
ary impulse, occasioned by the letters you have received
from hence. This resolution should be founded on sober
reflection, and a thorough conviction of your error, other¬
wise it will be as wavering as the wind, and become the
sport of conflicting passions, which will occasion such a
lassitude in your exertions as to render your studies of
little avail. To insure permanency, think seriously of the
advantages which are to be derived, on the one hand,
from the steady pursuit of a course of study to be marked
out by your preceptor, whose judgment, experience, and
acknowledged abilities, enables him to direct them ; and,
on the other hand, revolve as seriously on the conse¬
quences which would inevitably result from an indispo¬
sition to this measure, or from an idle habit of hankering
after unprofitable amusements at your time of life, before
you have acquired that knowledge which would be found
beneficial in every situation; I say before , because it is not
my wish that, having gone through the essentials, you
should be deprived of any rational amusement afterward ;

* Doctor Stuart married young Custis’s mother not long after her husband’s death.

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

or, lastly, from dissipation in such company as you would
most likely meet under such circumstances, who, hut too
often, mistake ribaldry for wit and rioting, swearing, in¬
toxication, and gambling, for manliness.

These things are not without momentary charms to
young minds susceptible of any impression, before the
judgment in some measure is formed, and reason begins
to preponderate. It is on this ground, as well as on ac¬
count of the intrinsic advantages that you yourself would
experience hereafter from it, that I am desirous of keep¬
ing you to your studies. And if such characters as I
have described should be found instrumental, either by
their advice or example, in giving your mind a wrong
bias, shun them as you would a pestilence ; for, be assured,
it is not with such qualities as these you ought to be
allied, or with those who possess them to have any
friendship.

These sentiments are dictated by the purest regard for
your welfare, and from an earnest desire to promote your
true happiness, in which all your friends feel an interest,
and^ would be much gratified to see accomplished, while
it would contribute in an eminent degree to your re¬
spectability in the eyes of others.

Your endeavors to fulfill these reasonable wishes of
ours can not fail of restoring all the attentions, protec¬
tion, and affection, of one who ever has been, and will
continue to be, your sincere friend,

G. Washington.

Mr. George W. P. Custis.

Nassau Hall, June 8 th, 1797.

With a heart overflowing with gratitude, love, and joy,
I return you thanks for your favor of the 4th ultimo, and

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

could my words do justice to my feelings, I would paint
them in their highest tints, but words communicate ideas
not sensations. Your letter, fraught with what reason,
prudence, and affection, only can dictate, is engraven on
my mind, and has taken root in a soil which I shall cul¬
tivate, and which, I hope, may become fruitful ; and, dear
sir, while I look up to that Providence which has pre¬
served me in my late contest with my passions, and en¬
abled me to act in a way which will redound to my
honor, permit me to make this humble confession, that if
in any way, or by any means, I depart from your direction
and guardianship, I may suffer as such imprudence shall
deserve. That your letter and the directions contained
therein, were from the purest motives, I can not doubt
for one moment, as they are from one to whom I have
looked foi support on earth, and from whom I have ex¬
perienced the most unbounded generosity. During my
recess from college I was not idle, having with Doctor
Smith studied the use of the globes, and got a tolerable
insight into geography. We shall pursue, this summer
privately, Priestley’s Elements of Natural History, and
Smith’s Constitution. I have, at length, attained a room
to myself, and shall take for a room-mate a Mr. Cassius
Lee, son of Eichard Henry Lee, a young man lately ar¬
rived from the eastward, where he has been pursuing
his studies privately. He is of an amiable disposition, and
very well informed. I shall have an opportunity of
giving you better information about him when he has
resided with me some time, as yet he is perfectly agree¬
able and very engaging. My class are now studying the
Roman History, with which I am well acquainted, having
previously studied it with the doctor. The things you

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

commissioned me to get I have provided, and suppose
you have the accounts now for adjustment. They are
perfectly suitable, and I hope reasonable. I will now
conclude, with expressing, what I have always had near¬
est my heart, a desire of your esteem. Be assured naught
shall be wanting on my part to obtain the same ; and that
the great Parent of the universe may prolong your days,
is the sincere prayer of your ever affectionate,

G. W. P. Custis.

Nassau Hall, July 1st, 1797.

Deadest Sir : Since my last, nothing material has oc¬
curred ; the weather is excessively sultry, the thermom¬
eter being generally at 98°, which makes study and con¬
finement very disagreeable. I have much time to read,
which I shall employ to that end, and am studying Priest¬
ley’s Lectures on- History, with the doctor, and reading
Smollett and Hume by myself.

We shall commence geography the middle of this
month, and devote the remainder of the session to that
alone; I have studied the use of the globes and maps
during my recess from college.

I have written to my old private tutor to solicit his
correspondence, and have received a letter from him ex¬
pressing his approbation of the measure.

The fourth of July will be celebrated with all possible
magnificence ; the college will be illuminated and cannon
fired ; a ball will be held at the tavern in the evening,
which I shall not attend, as I do not consider it con¬
sistent with propriety.

Mr. Cassius Lee, the gentlemen I informed you I had
taken as a room-mate, is a remarkably moral and modest
young man. I have no doubt we shall live happily to-

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

gether. He is a son of Richard H. Lee, and brother to
Ludwell. My room is fitted np very neatly and comfort¬
ably, though when the senior class leave college, I may
almost have my choice.

Mr. Burwell called on his way to Boston, and informed
me you were not very well. I sincerely hope it pro¬
ceeded merely from cold or fatigue, and will not produce
unpleasant consequences.

I now conclude, wishing you health and all the happi¬
ness this world can afford. Be assured I remain,

Most sincerely,

Your affectionate,

G. W. P. Custis.

P. S. — Mr. Lee’s respectful compliments wait on you,
sir. He is happy to inform you he left your nephew
w^ell at Andover, Massachusetts.

To George Washington, Esq.

Mount Yernon, 10 th July, 1797.

Dear Washington : Your letter of the first instant was
received by the last mail (on Friday), and your other
letter, of the eighth of June, remains unacknowledged,
owing principally to engagements without doors in my
harvest fields, and to company within, for we have scarcely
been alone a day for more than a month, and now have
a house full, among whom are your sisters, Law and
Peter.

To hear you are in good health, and progressing well
in your studies, affords peculiar satisfaction to your
friends, and to none more than myself; as it is my
earnest desire that you should be accomplished in all
the useful and polite branches of literature.

To correspond with men of letters, can not fail of

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

being serviceable to yon, provided it does not interfere
with your more important duties, and to hear their sen¬
timents on particular points may not be amiss ; but you
are not to forget that your course of studies is under the
direction of Dr. Smith, wdio is, at least, equal to any you
can correspond with ; who knows what you have learned,
and what is necessary for you to learn, to be system¬
atical. I enjoin it strongl/ upon you, therefore, not to
suffer any opinion or advice of Mr. Z. Lewis, however
well meant they may be, to divert you from the prose¬
cution of any plan which may be marked out by Dr.
Smith, or to produce the least hesitation in your mind,
for no good can come of it, and much evil may.

It gives me much pleasure to hear that you have got
a chamber-mate that is agreeable to you. We hope he
will continue to be so, for your mutual satisfaction and
benefit.

The weather has not been intensely hot with us ; at no
time this summer has the mercury exceeded 90°, and
but once, and this was on the twenty-fourth of June, has
it been so high.

If it has been usual for the students of Nassau college
to go to the balls on the anniversary of the Declaration
of Independence, I see no reason why you should have
avoided it, as no innocent amusement or reasonable ex¬
penditure will ever be withheld from you.

I take it for granted, that your grandmamma and sister
Nelly (if no more of the family) are writing to you,
and as they detail more than I can the domestic news, I
will only subscribe myself,

Your affectionate, Geo. Washington.

To Mr. G. W. P. Custis.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

Nassau Hall, July 14 th, 1797.

Most Honored Sir: I have just received your kind
favor of the tenth ultimo, together with the enclosed, for
all of which accept my thanks. I congratulate you upon
the enjoyment of your health and prospects of future
felicity, which that you may attain and experience is my
fervent prayer.

The gentlemen, whose correspondence I have submit¬
ted to your inspection, are Messrs. Lewis, Law, Lear, and
Dr. Stuart. With respect to your apprehensions of.
Lewis’s advice on subjects which materially affect my
conduct, I own they are perfectly just, and am happy
you have suggested them, as they will put me on my
guard. Our letters are on topics which occasion remarks
on both sides, and are improving to me alone, as they
tend to correct style and give fluency to expression. I
am studying the principles and uses of history in gene¬
ral, in a course of lectures by Priestley, and shall be able
to apply them to any history so as to make it easy to be
understood and entertaining. I have also much leisure
for reading, as the class are studying Roman antiquities,
which I have gone through with the doctor. The fourth
of July was very grand; we fired three times sixteen
rounds from a six-pounder, and had public exhibitions of
speaking. At night the whole college was beautifully
illuminated. The ball was instituted by the students,
and principally attended by them. My ideas of impro¬
priety proceeded from a distaste of such things during a
recess from them, as I was confident all relish for study
would be lost after such enjoyment; for there is a differ¬
ence between the mind’s being entirely taken off from an
object, to which it can return with increased vigor, and

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

a momentary relapse, which only whets the appetite that
can not be satiated.

The thermometer in the sun is 110°, 98° in the shade.
We wear light clothing, and are permitted to appear
in morning-gowns. I am at present in want of nothing,
and perfectly well. With kind remembrances to all
my friends and family, I conclude with wishing you
health, peace, and happiness, the only blessings this
world can bestow and man enjoy, and subscribe myself,
with sincere affection and duty,

Yours,

G. W. P. Custis.

George Washington, Esq.

Mount Vernon, 23c? July , 1797.

Dear Washington : Your letter of the 14th instant has
been duly received, and gives us pleasure to hear that
you enjoy good health, and are progressing well in your
studies.

Far be it from me to discourage your correspondence
with Dr. Stuart, Mr. Law, or Mr. Lewis, or indeed with
any others, as well-disposed and capable as I believe
they are to give you specimens of correct writing, proper
subjects, and if it were necessary, good advice.

With respect to your epistolary amusements gene¬
rally, I had nothing further in view than not to let them
interfere with your studies, which were of more interest¬
ing concern; and with regard to Mr. Z. Lewis, I only
meant that no suggestions of .his, if he had proceeded to
give them, were to be interposed to the course pointed
out by Dr. Smith, or suffered to weaken your confidence
therein. Mr. Lewis was educated at Yale college, and
as is natural, may be prejudiced in favor of the mode

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

pursued at that seminary ; but no college has turned out
better scholars, or more estimable characters, than Nas¬
sau. Nor is there any one whose president is thought
more capable to direct a proper system of education than
Dr. Smith ; for which reason, if Mr. Lewis, or any other,
was to prescribe a different course from the one you are
engaged in by the direction of Dr. Smith, it would give
me concern. Upon the plan you propose to conduct
your correspondence, none of the evils I was fearful of
can happen, while advantages may result ; for composi¬
tion, like other things, is made more perfect by practice
and attention, and just criticism thereon.

I do not hear you mention anything of geography or
mathematics as parts of your study ; both these are ne¬
cessary branches of useful knowledge. Nor ought you to
let your knowledge of the Latin language and grammati¬
cal rules escape you. And the French language is now
so universal, and so necessary with foreigners, or in a
foreign country, that I think you would be injudicious
not to make yourself master of it.

You certainly do not observe the degree of heat by
Farenheit’s thermometer, or it must be in a very hot
exposure if you do; for at no time this summer has
the mercury been above 90°, or at most 91°, at this
place ; and I should think Princeton must be as cool at
least as Mount Yernon, being nearly two degrees north
of it.

Your mamma went from here (with your sister Nelly)
to Hope Park, on Wednesday, and is as well as usual.
Your sister Law and child, were well on that day; and
Mr., Mrs., and Eleanor Peter are all well at this place
now, and having many others in the house, among whom

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

are Mr. Volney and Mr. William Morris. I shall only
add, that I am sincerely and affectionately,

Yours, G. Washington.

Mr. G. W. P. Oustis.

Nassau Hall, July 30 th, 1797.

Dearest Sir: It is with pleasure I acknowledge the
receipt of your obliging favor of the 23d ultimo, and
must congratulate you upon the enjoyment of your
health, the preservation of which should always be our
aim, and I have no doubt, as long as you are able to
take your accustomed exercise that you will be perfectly
well.

Mr. Z. Lewis has kept up the correspondence. His
letters have generally contained common-place remarks
on different subjects. His plans, were he to suggest any,
would have very little weight with me, and would not
tend to counteract those of Doctor Smith, I assure you.
As to the other gentlemen, I am well convinced they
would merely suggest, and not pretend to influence me
in any pursuit pointed out by him.

With respect to the study of geography, I had forgot¬
ten that you were unacquainted with the course of the
class, or I should have mentioned it particularly. We
are now engaged in geography and English grammar,
both of which we shall nearly conclude this session.
The senior class will leave college in about a fortnight,
when we shall become junior or second class, not in
studies, as we do not commence mathematics till next
session. The time appears to glide away imperceptibly.
This session wants but eight weeks of being out.

It was with heartfelt satisfaction I read that Buonaparte
had sued for the liberation of the marquis , and sincerely

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

hope poor Mr. Lafayette may have some authentic ac¬
counts concerning the same, which will, no doubt, afford
him great relief in his present state of suspense.*

The weather has become more moderate. I have no
news to tell you, except that Greenleaf is in jail and
likely to remain there.

Present my love to the family, and be assured, dearest
sir, that bound by ties indissoluble in themselves, and
sacred to me, I remain,

Your dutiful and affectionate,

G. W. P. Custis.

Mount Vernon, 29 th August , 1797.

Dear Washington: Your letter of the 21st instant,
came to hand by the last post, and as usual, gave us
pleasure to hear that you enjoyed good health, were
progressing well in your studies, and that you were in
the road to promotion.

The senior class having left, or being on the point of
leaving college, some of them with great eclat , ought to
provoke strong stimulus to those who remain, to acquire
equal reputation, which is no otherwise to be done than
by perseverance and close application ; in neither of
which I hope you will be found deficient.

Not knowing the precise time that the vacation com¬
mences, I have put under cover with this letter to Doctor
Smith, forty dollars to defray the expenses of your jour¬
ney ; and both your grandmamma and myself desire that
you will not think of doing it by water, as the passage

* The Marquis de Lafayette suffered much during the storm of the old French
Revolution. He was compelled to flee from his country, but being arrested, was
for three years in prison in a dungeon at Olmutz, in Germany. His son, George
Washington Lafayette, above alluded to, came to America, and found a home in
the family of Washington, at Mount Vernon, until his father was set at liberty.

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

may not only be very tedious , but subject to a variety of
accidents, to which a journey by land is exempt ; and as
the yellow fever is announced from authority to be in
Philadelphia, we enjoin it on you strictly to pursue the
route, and the direction which you may receive from the
president of the college, to avoid the inconveniences and
consequences which a different conduct might involve
you and others in.

Although I persuade myself that there is no occasion
for the admonition, yet I exhort you to come with a
mind steadfastly resolved to return precisely at the time
allotted, that it may be guarded against those ideas and
allurements which unbend it from study, and cause re¬
luctance to return to it again. Better remain where you
are than suffer impressions of this sort to be imbibed
from a visit, however desirous that visit may be to you,
and pleasing to your friends, who will prefer infinitely
your permanent good, to temporary gratifications ; but
I shall make all fears of this sort yield to a firm persua¬
sion, that every day convinces you more and more of the
propriety and necessity of devoting your youthful days
in the acquirement of that knowledge which will be ad¬
vantageous, grateful, and pleasing to you in maturer
years, and may be the foundation of your usefulness
here, and happiness hereafter.

Your grandmamma (who is prevented writing to you
by General Spotswood and family’s being here) has been
a good deal indisposed by swelling on one side of her face,
but it is now much better. The rest of the family within
doors are all well, and all unite in best regards for you,
with your sincere friend, and affectionate,

G. Washington.

Mr. G. Washington Custis.

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

The correspondence for the year 1797 here closed.
We next find a letter from Washington to Mr. McDowell,
president of St. John’s college, Annapolis. We know not
why Mr. Custis was removed from Princeton.

Mount Vernon, hth March , 1798.

Sir: Consequent upon a letter received from Mr.
George Calvert recently, this letter will be presented to
you by Doctor Stuart, who is so obliging as to accom¬
pany young Mr. Custis to Annapolis for the purpose of
placing him at college under your auspices, and making
such arrangements respecting his boarding and the pre¬
cise line of conduct for him to observe, and such course
of studies as you and he (the temper and genius of the
youth being considered) shall conceive most eligible for
him to pursue.

Mr. Custis possesses competent talents to fit him for
any studies, but they are counteracted by an indolence
of mind, which renders it difficult to draw them into
action. Doctor Stuart having been an attentive observer
of this, I shall refer you to him for the development of
the causes, while justice from me requires I should add,
that I know of no vice to which this inertness can be at¬
tributed. From drinking and gaming he is perfectly
free, and if he has a propensity to any other impropriety
it is hidden from me. He is generous and regardful of
truth.

As his family, fortune, and talents (if the latter can be
improved), give him just pretensions to become a useful
member of society in the councils of his country, his
friends, and none more than myself, are extremely desir¬
ous that his education should be liberal, polished, and

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

suitable for this end ; any suggestions to promote these
views will be thankfully received. Whatever is agreed
upon by Doctor Stuart in my behalf, with relation to
Mr. Custis, will meet the approbation of, and be complied
with by, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

G. Washington.

Mr. McDowell,

President of the College at Annapolis.

Annapolis, March 12th , 1798.

Dearest Sir : I arrived here in due season, after a very
agreeable journey, and found all my relations well, and
Annapolis a very pleasant place. I visited the principal
inhabitants while the doctor was here, and found them
all very kind. Mr. McDowell is a very good and agree¬
able man. He has examined me, and I am now pursuing
the study of Natural Philosophy, and hope to distinguish
myself in that branch as well as others. Arithmetic I
have reviewed, and shall commence French immediately
with the professor here. I was so fortunate as to get in
with a Mrs. Brice, a remarkably clever woman, with whom
I live very well and contented. There are several clever
young men boarding in this house, with whom I asso¬
ciate on the most friendly terms. The mail is going
out, and I have only to add, that I constantly bear in
mind your virtuous precepts, and hope to benefit by
them, and am most sincerely and affectionately your

dutiful, G. W. P. Custis.

George Washington, Esq.

Mount Vernon, \§th March , 1798.

Dear Washington: Your letter of the 12th instant
has been received ; and it gives me and your friends

100

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

here much pleasure to find that you are agreeably
fixed, and disposed to prosecute your studies with zeal
and alacrity.

Let these continue to be your primary objects and
pursuits ; all other matters at your time of life are of
secondary consideration. For it is on a well-grounded
knowledge of these, your respectability in maturer age,
your usefulness to your country, and, indeed, your own
private gratification, when you come seriously to reflect
upon the importance of them, will depend. The wise
man, you know, has told us (and a more useful lesson
never was taught) that there is a time for all things ; and
now is the time for laying in such a stock of erudition as
will effect the purposes I have mentioned. And above
all things, I exhort you to pursue the course of studies
that Mr. McDowell, of whom every one, as well as your¬
self, speaks highly, has or shall mark out as the most
eligible path to accomplish the end. It is from the ex¬
perience and knowledge of preceptors that youth is to
fie advantageously instructed. If the latter are to mark
out their own course, there would fie little or no occa¬
sion for the former, and what would be the consequence
it is not difficult to predict.

One or other of the family will expect to receive a
letter from you once a fortnight, that we may know how
you are in health ; in addition to which, I shall expect to
hear how you are progressing in your studies, as time
advances. All here join in best wishes for you, among
whom, your sister Peter is of the number ; and you may
be assured of the friendship of your affectionate,

G. Washington.

Mr. G. W. P. Custis.

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

101

Annapolis, April 2d, 1798.

Dearest Sir: Your letter arrived by the ordinary
course of mail, which goes by Baltimore; and gave me
sincere pleasure hearing you and the family were in
good health.

I was somewhat unwell for some time after coming
here, owing to the water, but it is entirely removed now.
I am going on with the class in college and attending
the French master, who is, I believe, very competent.
Every week we write dissertations on various subjects,
which are both amusing and instructive, and create laud¬
able emulation.

I am very happily situated, perhaps better than many
others ; and could a repetition of those sentiments I have
always avowed express my gratitude and obligations to
you, they should be here expressed • but it is sufficient
that they are indelibly engraven on my mind, and can
never be erased while the principles on which they are
grounded exist. These principles are innate. What
could be a greater misfortune to me than your displeas¬
ure ! What a greater happiness than your confidence !

I find that young M. C. has been at Mount Yernon,
and report says, to address my sister. It may be well to
subjoin an opinion, which I believe is general in this
place, viz., that he is a young man of the strictest probity
and morals, discreet without closeness, temperate with¬
out excess, and modest without vanity; possessed of
those amiable qualities and friendship which are so com¬
mendable, and with few of the vices of the age. In
short, I think it a most desirable match, and wish that it
may take place with all my heart.

I have received every kindness from the citizens of

102

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

Annapolis, and could anything heighten my opinion of
your character, it would be their expressions of esteem
and regard. Adieu, dearest sir, and believe me sincerely
and affectionately yours,

G. W. P. Custis.

George Washington, Esq.

Mount Yernon, 1 5th April, 1798.

Dear Washington : Your letter of the 2d instant came
duly to hand, and gave us pleasure (as you may
naturally conceive from our solicitude for your well¬
doing) at hearing that you had got over a short in¬
disposition; was happy in your present situation; and
going on well in your studies. Prosecute these with
diligence and ardor, and you will, sometime hence, he
more sensible than now of the rich harvest you will
gather from them.

It gave us pleasure, also, to hear that you are kindly
treated by the families in Annapolis. Endeavor by a
prudent, modest, and discreet conduct, to merit a con¬
tinuance of it, but do not suffer attentions of this sort to
withdraw you from your primary pursuits.

Young Mr. C - came here about a fortnight ago to

dinner, and left us next morning after breakfast. If his
object was such as you say has been reported, it was not
declared here ; and therefore, the less is said upon the
subject, particularly by your sister’s friends, the more
prudent it will be until the subject develops itself .more.

The family at this place are much as usual; your
sister Peter, and her children are here, and Mr. Peter
occasionally so. Dr. Stuart is also here at present, and
informs us that your mother and the family (one of your
sisters excepted) are very well. Mr. Law has been here,

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

103

and leaving Mrs. Law at Baltimore, went back for her,
and is not returned that we have heard of. This is all
the domestic news which occurs to me ; and, therefore,
with every good wish of those I have enumerated, and
particularly the blessings of your grandmamma,

I remain, your sincere friend, and affectionate,

G. Washington.

To Mr. Washington Custis.

Annapolis, May 5th, 1798.

Dearest Sir : Colonel Fitzgerald arrived here about an
hour ago, and has politely offered to convey a letter to
you. Nothing material has occurred since my last letter,
only that we now attend college at six in the morning,
which is by no means disagreeable, and conduces to
health.

With respect to what I mentioned of Mr. C - in

my last, I had no other foundation but report, which has
since been contradicted. All the families in this town in
which I visit, express the highest esteem and veneration
for your character, which conduces, in great measure, to
the satisfaction I feel in their company.

All is well at present. I have found no inconvenience
lately from the water, which affected me at first. I at¬
tend college regularly, and am determined that nothing
shall alienate my attention.

Adieu, dearest sir, may heaven proportion her reward
to your merit, is the sincere and ardent prayer of,

Geo. W. P. Custis.

P. S. — I would thank you to inform me to whom I am
to apply for money in case of want.

Geo. Washington, Esq.

104 CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

Mount Vernon, 10 ih May , 1798.

Dear Washington : Your letter by Colonel Fitzgerald*
has been received, and I shall confine my reply, at pres¬
ent, to the query contained in the postscript, viz., “to
whom I am to apply for money in case of need ”

This has the appearance of a very early application,
when it is considered that you were provided very plenti¬
fully, it was conceived, with necessaries of all sorts when
you left this (two months ago only) ; had £4. 6. given
to you by me, and £3. 0. 0. by Doctor Stuart, as charged
in his account against me (equal together to between
9 and 10 lbs. Maryland currency) ; had a trunk purchased
for you, a quarter’s board paid in advance, &c. Except
for your washing, and books when necessary, I am at a
loss to discover what has given rise to so early a ques¬
tion. Surely you have not conceived that indulgence in
dress or other extravagances are matters that were ever
contemplated by me as objects of expense ; and I hope
they are not so by you. As then the distance between
this and Annapolis is short, and the communication (by
post) easy, regular, and safe, transmit the accounts of
such expenses as are necessary, to me, in your letters,
and a mode shall be devised for prompt and punctual
payment of them. And let me exhort you, in solemn
terms, to keep steadily in mind the purposes and the end
for which you were sent to the seminary you are now
placed at, and not disappoint the hopes which have been,
entertained from your going thither, by doing which,
you will ensure the friendship, &c., of,

G. Washington.

To Mr. Geo. W. P. Custis.

* Colonel Fitzgerald had been one of Washington’s favorite aids.

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

105

Annapolis, May 26, 1798.

Dearest Sir : Your last letter arrived safely, and con¬
veyed the pleasing intelligence of your health, a theme
always acceptable to my grateful heart. With respect
to my expenses I did not mean to insinuate that I was
actually in want, but supposed you had placed money in
the hands of some one to whom I might apply. I have
opened accounts with a shoemaker, tailor, and other per¬
sons from whom I might want occasional articles, which
shall all be transmitted to you when offered. I got some
nankeen and a gingham coat, which, together, with a hat,
are all the necessary articles I wanted* the hat might
have lasted longer had it not been a worthless one. I
have been very careful of my clothes, and frequently re¬
vise them myself.

I now enter on a subject which I will endeavor to
make plain. Far from being addicted to dress and ex¬
travagance, I am not fond of such things, and have not
spent money in that way. I confess, that when I have
friends at my own house, I like to entertain them with
little superfluities, but farther, I sacredly deny any dissi¬
pation. I visit of an evening among some families, but
never dine out except on Sunday. I have received that
attention from the inhabitants of this town which claims
my sincere regard, and shall endeavor by my conduct to
merit their esteem. General Stone’s politeness to me
has been particular.

Nothing material has occurred since my last. I at¬
tend to my French constantly, with a good teacher, and
hope to acquire the pronunciation. Adieu, dear sir, and
believe me, ever dutifully and intrinsically yours,

G. W. P. Custis.

Geo. Washington, Esq.

106

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

Mount Vernon, 13 th June , 1798.

Dear Washington : It is now near five weeks since any
person of this family has heard from you, though you
were requested to write once a fortnight. Knowing how
apt your grandmamma is to suspect that you are sick, or
that some accident has happened to you, how could you
omit this ?

I have said that none of us have heard from you, hut
it behooves me to add, that from persons in Alexandria,
lately from Annapolis, I have, with much surprise, been
informed of your devoting much time, and paying much
attention, to a certain young lady of that place. Know¬
ing that conjectures are often substituted for facts, and
idle reports are circulated without foundation, we are not
disposed to give greater credence to these than what
arises from a fear that your application to books is not
such as it ought to be, and that the hours that might be
more profitably employed at your studies are mispent in
this manner.

Recollect again the saying of the wise man, u There is
a time for all things,” and sure I am, this is not a time
for a hoy of your age to enter into engagements which
might end in sorrow and repentance.

Yours affectionately,

G. Washington.

Mr. G. W. P. Custis.

Marlborough, June 17 th, 1798.

Dearest Sir : I received your letter by mamma at this
place, where I had come on my uncle’s horses, and with
Mr. McDowell’s permission, in hopes of meeting her.
She arrived the same day that I did, and informed me
particularly respecting the subject of your letter, which

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

107

appeared to set heavy on your mind. The report, as
mamma tells me, of my being engaged to the young lady
in question, is strictly erroneous. That I gave her rea¬
son to believe in my attachment to her, I candidly allow,
but that I would enter into engagements inconsistent with
my duty or situation, I hope your good opinion of me
will make you disbelieve. That I stated to her my pros¬
pects, duty, and dependance upon the absolute will of
my friends, I solemnly affirm. That I solicited her affec¬
tion, and hoped, with the approbation of my family, to
bring about a union at some future day, I likewise allow.
The conditions were not accepted, and my youth being
alleged by me as an obstacle to the consummation of
my wishes at the present time (which was farthest from
my thoughts), I withdrew, and that on fair and honorable
terms, to the satisfaction of my friends.

Thus the matter ended, and should never have pro¬
ceeded so far had I not been betrayed by my own feel¬
ings. However rash and imprudent I may be, I have
always remembered my duty and obligation to you,
which is the guide of my actions. It was this which
prevented my entering into any engagements which
were not entirely conditional.

To my mother I disclosed the whole affair, who is now
perfectly satisfied ; and I hope this small statement of
facts, which I can confirm, either upon oath or the testi¬
mony of my friends, will eradicate all uneasiness from
your mind.

Let me once more, sir, on the shrine of gratitude,
plight my faith to you ; let me unclasp the sacred books
of morality and lay my duty, nay, my all, at your feet.
Your beneficence could not enhance your virtues ; on my

108

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

heart they are engraven as the benefactor, the friend,
nay, the more than father of,

G. W. P. Custis.

George Washington, Esq.

Mount Yernon, 13 th June , 1798.

Sir : An ardent wish that young Custis should apply
closely to his studies, and conduct himself with propriety
under your auspices, induces me to give you the trouble
of receiving these inquiries, and to know if he is in want
of anything that can be provided for him by, sir,

Your obedient and humble servant,

Geo. Washington.

Mr. McDowell.

Annapolis, July 12th , 1798.

Dearest Sir: Not receiving any favor from you in
answer to my last, and only a letter from Doctor Stuart,
in which he questions but little concerning the affair
which caused you so much anxiety, induces me to hope
that both my confession of the circumstances of the case,
and my error, has obliterated from your mind all un¬
favorable impressions. Confiding in this hope, I again
submit myself to your confidence, and assure you, that
though urged by imprudence, I was governed by duty —
that duty which I shall hold sacred in all my walks of
life ; and let the goodness of my heart but cover the im¬
prudence of my actions, and I am contented. My peace
of mind, my consciousness of rectitude, will always be to
me a sufficient plea for my actions ; and be assured, dear¬
est sir, nothing can contribute more to both than your
favor.

I have nearly finished the six books of Euclid, and ex¬
pect that college will adjourn in a fortnight. I can col-

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

109

lect and forward all accounts as soon as you shall think
fit to call for the same, and I hope that their reasonable¬
ness will be acceptable to you.

I need not congratulate you on an appointment* which
was always designed by the Creator for one so fully
capable of fulfilling it. Let an admiring world again be¬
hold a Cincinnatus springing up from rural retirement to
the conquest of nations;* and the future historian, in
erasing so great a name, insert that of the “ Father of his
country ”

Remember me to all, and believe me sincerely, duti¬
fully, and affectionately yours,

Geo. W. P. Custis.

Gen. Geo. Washington.

The letter immediately preceding the following was
not found in the package.

Annapolis, July 21 st, 1798.

Dearest Sir: By the returning mail I heartily ac¬
knowledge your last favor, and am sincerely happy in
having given you full satisfaction in an affair so interest¬
ing, and mutually affecting to both my friends and my¬
self. I this day finish the six books of Euclid, and with
that, the course marked out for me while in Annapolis.
College breaks up Monday week (the 30th), and I shall
always be ready when you may send for me. I shall
enclose my accounts by next post, so as to be ready to
leave this as soon as convenient. I would thank you to
inform me whether I leave it entirely, or not, so that I
may pack up accordingly. With sincere affection to all
friends I bid you adieu,

G. W. P. Custis.

* As commander-in-chief of the provisional army of the United States.

110

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

Mount Vernon, 24 th July , 1798.

Dear Washington : Your letter of the 21st was received
last night. The question, “ I would thank you to inform
me whether I leave it entirely, or not, so that I may pack
up accordingly,” really astonishes me ! for it would seem
as if nothing I could say to you made more than a mo¬
mentary impression. Did I not, before you went to that
seminary, and since by letter, endeavor to fix indelibly
on your mind, that the object for which you were sent
there was to finish a course of education which you your¬
self were to derive the benefit of hereafter, and for pres¬
sing which upon you, you would be the first to thank
your friends so soon as reason has its proper sway in the
direction of your thoughts ?

As there is a regular stage between Annapolis and the
federal city, embrace that as the easiest and most con¬
venient way of getting to the latter, from whence Mr.
Law or Mr. Peter will, I have no doubt, send you hither ;
or a horse might meet you there, or at Alexandria, at an
appointed time.

The family are well ; and I am, as usual, your affec¬
tionate,

G. Washington.

To Mr. G. W. P. Custis.

Annapolis ,July 23, 1798.

Dearest Sir : Since my last I have collected all my ac¬
counts, which I transmit for your perusal. The only
article. I apologize for is an umbrella, which I was un¬
avoidably obliged to procure, as I lost one belonging to
a gentleman. College breaks up on Saturday, and I
shall be ready at any time that you may send. I will
look over everything belonging to me and have them

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

Ill

adjusted. I am very well, and at variance with no one,
so that I shall leave this place just as I first entered it.

Believe me, dearest sir, sincerely and affectionately
yours, Geo. W. P. Custis.

Geo. Washington, Esq.

Mount Vernon, 30 th July , 1798.

Sir : Being very much engaged of late in a manner I
little expected, I have not only suffered your favor of the
19th instant to remain unacknowledged, but not attending
to the time of the vacation of St. John’s college, I have
suffered that also to arrive, or to approach too near for
the enclosed remittances to defray the expenses of Mr.
Custis, before it is probable he left Annapolis.

Allow me the liberty, for this reason, to put the ac¬
counts which he has just transmitted to me, under cover
to you, with bank-notes of Columbia for one hundred
dollars, to discharge and take a receipt thereon, to be re¬
turned to me.

The pressure which is upon me at this time will not
allow me to say anything relatively to the course of
studies marked out for Mr. Custis when he returns to
college. I will write more fully to you on this subject
at a future time. Sir, I remain, your most obedient,

G. Washington.

To Mr. McDowell.

Mount Vernon, 2 d September , 1798.

Sir: Your favor of the 13th ultimo, with the accounts,
came duly to hand, and I thank you for the trouble you
have had in paying and taking receipts therefor. The
small balance of <£„ 3. 5i may, if you please, be given to
Mr. Custis.

112

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

It was my intention to have written fully to you b}'
the return of this young gentleman to college, but the
debilitated state into which I have been thrown by a
fever, with which I was seized on the 18th, and could
procure no remission of until the 25th past, renders
writing equally irksome and improper.

Were the case otherwise, I should, I confess, be at a
loss to point out any precise course of study for Mr.
Custis. My views, with respect to him, have already
been made known to you, and, therefore, it is not neces¬
sary to repeat them on this occasion. It is not merely
the best course for him to pursue that requires a con¬
sideration, but such an one as he can be induced to pur¬
sue, and will contribute to his improvement and the ob¬
ject in view. In directing the first of these objects, a
gentleman of your literary discernment and knowledge
of the world, would be at no loss, without any suggestions
of mine, if there was as good a disposition to receive, as
there are talents to acquire knowledge ; but as there
seems to be in this youth an unconquerable indolence of
temper, and a dereliction, in fact, to all study, it must
rest with you to lead him in the best manner, and by the
easiest modes you can devise, to the study of such useful
acquirements as may be serviceable to himself, and event¬
ually beneficial to his country.

French, from having become in a manner the universal
language, I wish him to be master of, but I do not find,
from inquiry, that he has made much progress in the study
yet Some of the practical branches of mathematics, par¬
ticularly surveying, he ought, possessor as he is of large
landed property, to be well acquainted with, as he may
have frequent occasion for the exercise of that study.

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

113

I have already exceeded the limit I had prescribed to
myself when I began this letter, but I will trespass yet a
little more, while I earnestly entreat that yon will ex¬
amine him, as often as yon can make it convenient, your¬
self ) and admonish him seriously of his omissions and de¬
fects ; and prevent, as much as it can be done, without too
rigid a restraint, a devotion of his time to visitations of
the families in Annapolis ; which, when carried to excess,
or beyond a certain point, can not but tend to divert his
mind from study, and lead his thoughts to very different
objects. Above all* let me request, if you should per¬
ceive any appearance of his attaching himself, by visits
or otherwise, to any young lady of that place, that you
would admonish him against any such step, on account
of his youth and incapability of appreciating all the re¬
quisites for a connexion which, in the common course of
things, can terminate with the death of one of the parties
only; and, if done without effect, to advise me thereof.
If, in his reading, he was to make common-place notes,
as is usual, copy them fair and show them to you, two
good purposes would be answered by it. You would see
with what judgment they were done, and it might tend
much to improve his hand-writing, which requires nothing
but care and attention to render it good. At present,
all of his writing that I have seen is a hurried scrawl, as
if to get to the end speedily, was the sole object of writing.

With sincerest esteem and regard, I am, sir, your obe¬
dient servant,

Geo. Washington.

P. S. — Knowledge of book-keeping is essential to all
who are under the necessity of keeping accounts.

Mr. McDowell.

114

CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN

Mount Vernon, 16^ September, 1798.

Sir : The enclosed was written at the time of its date,
and, with Mr. Custis, I expected would have left this the
next morning for St. John’s college ; but although he pro¬
fessed his readiness to do whatever was required of him,
his unwillingness to return was too apparent to afford
any hope that good would result from it in the prosecu¬
tion of his studies. And, therefore, as I have now a gen¬
tleman living with me who has abilities adequate thereto,
will have sufficient leisure to attend to it, and has prom¬
ised to do so accordingly, I thought ?est, upon the whole,
to keep him here.

He returns to Annapolis for the purpose of bringing
back with him such articles as he left there, and dis¬
charging any accounts which may have remained unpaid.
With great esteem and regard, I am, sir, your most obe¬
dient servant, G. Washington.

Mr. McDowell.

Mount Vernon, January 22, 1799.

Dear Sir: Washington leaves this to-day on a visit to
Hope Park,* which will afford you an opportunity to ex¬
amine the progress he has made in the studies he was
directed to pursue.

I can, and I believe I do, keep him in his room a cer¬
tain portion of the twenty-four hours, but it will be im¬
possible for me to make him attend to his books, if in¬
clination on his part is wanting; nor while I am out if he
chooses to be so, is it in my power to prevent it. I will
not say this is the case, nor will I run the hazard of do¬
ing him injustice, by saying he does not apply as he
ought to what has been prescribed, but no risk will be

* The residence of his mother’s family.

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

115

run, and candor requires I should declare it as my opin¬
ion, that he will not derive much benefit in any course
which can be marked out for him at this place, without
an able preceptor always with him.

What is best to be done with him I know not. My
opinion always has been, that the university in Massa¬
chusetts would have been the most eligible seminary to
have sent him to ; first, because it is on a larger scale
than any other • and, secondly, because I believe that the
habits of the youth there, whether from the discipline of
the school, or the greater attention of the people gen¬
erally to morals, and a more regular course of life, are
less prone to dissipation and excess than they are at the
colleges south of it. It may be asked, if this was my
opinion, why did I not send him there ? The answer is
as short as to me it was weighty : being the only male of
his line, and knowing (although it would have been sub¬
mitted to) that it would have proved a heart-rending
stroke to have him at that distance, I was disposed to
try a nearer seminary, of good repute, which, from some
cause, or combination of causes, has not, after the experi¬
ment of a year, been found to answer the end that was
contemplated. Whether to send him there now, or, in¬
deed, to any other public school, is, indeed, problematical,
and to mispend his time at this place would be disgrace¬
ful to himself and me.

If I were to propose to him to go to the university at
Cambridge, in Massachusetts, he might, as has been usual
for him on like occasions, say, he would go wherever I
chose to send him, but if he should go, contrary to his
inclination, and without a disposition to apply himself
properly, an expense without any benefit would result

116

WASHINGTON AND CUSTIS.

from the measure. Knowing how much I have been dis¬
appointed, and my mind disturbed by his conduct, he
would not, I am sure, make a candid disclosure of his
sentiments to me on this or any other plan I might pro¬
pose for the completion of his education, for which rear
son, I would pray that you (or perhaps Mrs. Stuart could
succeed better than any one) would draw from him a
frank and explicit disclosure of what his own wishes and
views are ; for, if they are absolutely fixed, an attempt
to counteract them by absolute control would be as idle
as the endeavor to stop a rivulet that is constantly run¬
ning. Its progress, while mound upon mound is erected,
may be arrested, but this must have an end, and every¬
thing will be swept away by the torrent. The more I
think of his entering William and Mary, unless he could
be placed in the bishop’s family, the more I am convinced
of its inutility on many accounts, which had better be
the subject of oral communication than by letter. I
shall wish to hear from you on the subject of this letter.
I believe Washington means well, but has not resolution
to act well. Our kind regards to Mrs. Stuart and family,
and I am, my dear sir,

Your obedient and affectionate servant,

G. Washington.

David Stuart, Esq.

This is the last letter in the packet from which the
foregoing series have been copied. The correspondence
exhibits the old story of a youth of genius and fortune
disappointing the hopes of his friends while at college ;
and it presents Washington in a new light, as exercising
the tender solicitude of a parent.

RECOLLECTIONS AND PRIVATE MEMOIRS

OF THE

Life and character

WASHINGTON.

EDITOR’S PREFACE.

It was the privilege of the writer to enjoy the friendship of
Mr. Custis, the author of the following Recollections of Wash¬
ington , for several years, and to experience, on frequent occa¬
sions, the hospitalities of Arlington House, his beautiful seat on
the Potomac, opposite the federal city. The subject of his Rec¬
ollections was a frequent topic of conversation, and the writer
always expressed an earnest desire that Mr. Custis should com¬
plete and prepare for publication, in book form, the interesting
work begun, many years before, of recording what he knew and
remembered concerning the private life of Washington, and some
of his compatriots. But his spirit was summoned from earth
before that work was completed, and the revision of what was
already done was left to other hands.

When invited by the only-surviving child of Mr. Custis to as¬
sist her in preparing his imperfect and unfinished Recollections
for the press, by arranging them properly and adding illustrative
and explanatory notes, the writer complied with pleasure, for
filial gratitude to the Father of his Country seemed to demand the
dedication of whatever labor might be usefully employed in the
preservation of precious memorials of that father which had hith¬
erto been left in the perishable form of newspaper articles.

Many of the facts recorded in this volume have already found
their way, one by one, into our histories ; but the great mass of
them will be fresh to every reader, and intrinsically valuable.

The illustrative and explanatory notes have been prepared
with the single purpose of instructing , not amusing; and if, to
the well-informed, many of them shall appear unnecessary, let it
be remembered that it is only the few who are well informed,
and that the many need instruction.

Care has been taken not to alter the text as it flowed from the
pen of the author, except in the way of verbal corrections, occa¬
sionally, and arrangements of the matter to avoid repetitions as

120

editor’s preface.

far as practicable — faults which are incident to the production
of a series of articles upon a common topic, written at wide in¬
tervals, and from memory. The business of the editor has been
to arrange and illustrate, according to the dictates of his best
judgment, the materials placed in his hands by the family of the
author.

A few words concerning the history of these Recollections
may not be without interest. When Lafayette visited the United
States, in 1824 and 1825, as the guest of the nation, Mr. Custis,
who had been the intimate companion of the marquis’s son,
George Washington Lafayette (who accompanied him), when at
Mount Yernon, under the care of Washington, in 1797, spent
much time with that illustrious man. After his departure, he
wrote a series of interesting articles under the title of Conver¬
sations with Lafayette . These were published in the Alexan¬
dria Gazette , and attracted much attention. Among those who
were specially interested in them, was John F. Watson, Esq.,
the now venerable annalist of Philadelphia and New York. He
wrote to Mr. Custis in September, 1825, urging him to answer
publicly a series of questions which he proposed to write, and
which would, if fully answered, “ go more,” as Mr. Watson said,
“ to develop, as by moral painting, the individual character of
General and Mrs. Washington, as they appeared in domestic and
every-day life, than all that had ever been published.”

Mr. Custis answered Mr. Watson’s letter a week afterward,
and assured him that as soon as he had completed his Conversa¬
tions with Lafayette , of which the thirteenth number was just
then finished, he should commence the publication of Recollec
tions of Washington in the United States Gazette , printed at
Philadelphia — a paper which he had often seen the first presi¬
dent “dry on his knee” as it came fresh from the press. The
first number, entitled The Mother of Washington , appeared in
that paper. The remainder of the series, except two numbers,
were first published in the National Intelligencer. Such, in
brief, is the history of the origin of these Recollections , as given
to the writer by the venerable annalist above mentioned, in
May, 1859.

B. J. L.

Poughkeepsie, August , 1859.

AUTHOR’S PREFACE.

It is the public lives of great men that are commonly
given to the world ; and with all the glare which may
dazzle and surprise. It will be the duty of the writer of
the following pages to withdraw the curtain, and, in some
views of the private life of the most illustrious of men,
to develop such truths as shall be acceptable to the mind
and heart of every true American.

Much anxiety always has existed, and always will
exist, touching the private lives and actions of those who,
on the public theatre, have played so many, such various,
and such distinguished parts. It is somewhat remarkable,
yet such is the fact of history, that when all of the pub¬
lic life and actions of a great man have been published
to the world, the world invariably demands the private
memoirs. The celebrated Montesquieu once asked an
English nobleman respecting Sir Isaac Newton : “ Pray,
my lord, does the great Newton eat, drink, and sleep like
other men ?”

The interesting and authentic private memoirs of the
Father of his Country, which form this volume, are de¬
rived from the relations of those who were the associates
of his juvenile years, his comrades in war, and the friends
of his fireside in peace. Concerning his domestic habits
and manners; the routine of his methodical life; what

122

author’s preface.

he said and did, when he retired from public cares and
duties, in the evening of his glorious day, I ought to know
much. Taken from my orphaned cradle to his paternal
arms, nourished at his board, cherished in his bosom, from
childhood to manhood, I ought to know something of the
First President of the United States, and the illustrious
Farmer of Mount Yernon.

I write of him who fills so large a space in the best
recollections of the world ; whose fame, pure, venerable,
and time-honored, will descend to the latest posterity,
like the ceaseless stream which washes the base of his
sepulchre, whose majestic course neither rival currents
can disturb, nor the waste of ages can impair.

The first paper in the series of these Recollections and
Private Memoirs of the Life and Character of Washington,
contains a sketch of The Mother of Washington — that
distinguished woman, whose peculiar cast of character,
whose precepts and discipline in the education of her il¬
lustrious son, were by himself acknowledged to have been
the foundation of his fortune and his fame.

The principal facts I derived from Lawrence and Robin
Washington, Esqrs., of Chotank, the associates of the
chief in early life, at the maternal mansion on the Rap¬
pahannock; and from Bishop, his military servant and
humble friend in the war of ’55-56, who helped him to
his last horse on the field of Braddock, when death gath¬
ered so many sheaves to the garner, and when, in the
prophetic words of the Indian commander, in reference
to Washington, “the Great Spirit protected that man,
that he might become the Chief of Nations.”

The veteran Bishop died at Mount Yernon at a very
advanced age, having long been settled in the midst of

AUTHOR’S PREFACE.

123

his descendants; and with every possible comfort about
him. It was while sitting upon his knee, in the days of
my childhood; that I often heard the old man relate the
events of the Indian wars, and have seen him raise his
withered arm, while his faded eye lighted up, when de¬
scribing the memorable and heroic achievements of his
patron and commander.

From Dr. James Craik, also, whose commission was
signed on the same day with that of Washington, as pro¬
vincial major, I received many and important facts. He
and Washington were comrades and fellow-captives at
the affair of the Meadows, in ’55 ; were associated in the
War of the Revolution, and bosom friends always; and it
was the fortune of Craik to receive the Patriot’s last sigh
at Mount Yernon in 1799, after an affectionate inter¬
course of almost half a century.

The labor of America’s distinguished historians have
given to this country and the world the life and actions
of Washington, as connected with the age in which he
flourished, and the mighty events thereof, in which he
bore so prominent and illustrious a part. It has become
the honored duty of the author of the Recollections to
lift the veil that always conceals the private life of a great
man from the public gaze, and to show the Pater Patrias
amid the shades of domestic retirement, where, in the
bosom of his family, on the farm, and at his fireside, friend¬
ship, kindliness, and hospitality shed their benignant lus¬
tre upon his latter days.

Long years have elapsed since the first of these Recol¬
lections were offered to the public. In answer to numer¬
ous inquiries why they have not been published in book-
form, the author begs leave to observe that, having no

124

author’s preface.

views as to profit, he was desirous that the Private
Memoirs should go to the masses of the people in the
cheapest and most diffusible manner practicable.

If it has appeared to any that the Recollections have
embraced particulars too minute, the author’s apology is
in various letters, received both from at home and abroad,
urging him to omit no detail , however minute , or deem anything
trivial , that related in the smallest degree to the life and character
of Washington.

G. W. P. C.

Arlington House, near Alexandria, Va., 1856.

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON,

CHAPTER I.

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

The Washington Family in Virginia — Washington’s Early Tooth — His Mother's
Family — Her Character and Influence — The Home of Washington — The Wild
Horse — Young Washington’s Truthfulness — His Mother at Fredericksburg — Pic¬
ture of her Life there — An Alarm in Washington’s Camp — His Mother's Management
of Affairs — Her Industry, Economy, and Charity — Her Independence — Her fear of
Lightning — Keception of Washington after his Victory at Yorktown — His Filial
Eeyerence — Admiration of the Foreign Officers — Lafayette — Washington’s last
Interview with his Mother — Her Death — Her Monument.

Of the remote ancestors of the chief, onr recollections
wall, of necessity, be limited. The greatgrandfather,
John Washington, came from England (from Chester, it
is believed) at about the time of the early settlers in the
northern neck of Virginia, hut the place of his first resi¬
dence is unknown, though it has been a matter of con¬
siderable research to his descendants.*

* He came with his brother Lawrence about the year 1657, and settled near the
Potomac, between Pope’s and Bridge’s creeks, in the county of Westmoreland.
Having a knowledge of military matters, he was employed, soon after his arrival, in
the command of the militia, against the Indians, with the rank of colonel. He was thus
employed just previous to the breaking out of the domestic broils in Virginia, known
in history as Bacon’s Rebellion. He married Anne Pope, by whom he had two sons.
One of these (Lawrence) married Mildred Warner, of Gloucester county, and had
three children. Her second was Augustine, the father of George Washington.

The following letter, translated from the German, contains some interesting par¬
ticulars respecting a branch of the Washington family. The letter from General

126

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Augustine Washington, the father, we find settled near
Pope’s creek, a tributary of the Potomac, in the county of
Westmoreland, and there the great chief was horn, on the

Washington, to which the writer alludes, may be seen in Sparks’s Life and
Writings of Washington , vol. xi. p. 393 ; and other particulars concerning the family
in vol. i. p. 554. James Washington is there mentioned as having been a mer¬
chant in Rotterdam : —

“Munich, February 21, 1844.

“ Honored Sir : It was not till the 17th of this month that I received your favor
of December 13th ; I could not, therefore, answer it earlier. In compliance with
your wish I will, with pleasure, communicate to you some facts relating to my family.
The branch from which I am descended has undoubtedly the same ancestor as that
from which the American branch descended, which is proved also by the same coat-
of-arms.

“ The family of Washington is descended from a good old English family, which,
in early times, owned considerable possessions in the counties of York and North¬
ampton, and in other places. It became connected, by marriage, with the family of
Shirley, Earl Ferrers. Sir Lawrence Washington married Elizabeth, a daughter of
the second Earl Ferrers. It was also connected with that of Yilliers, duke of Buck¬
ingham. A branch of the family, from unknown causes, for they were wealthy,
emigrated about the year 1650 to America; and the well-known (one may say with
truth the universally famous) General and President George Washington was de¬
scended from it.

“My great-grandfather, James Washington, was so deeply implicated in the un¬
fortunate affair of the duke of Monmouth, in the time of Charles II., 1683 and 1684,
that he was obliged to fly from England, and, after losing by shipwreck on the coast
of Portugal everything of his personal property that he had been able to carry away
from England, he came to Holland. While there, he was frequently demanded on
the part of England by its ambassador, and his delivery insisted upon ; but the States-
General did not consent; and thus he became the founder of that branch which
then began to flourish in Holland, and is still in existence in the persons of two in¬
dividuals, cousins, lieutenants in the army and navy.

“ I possess an autograph letter of the great man, George Washington, from Mount
Vernon, January 20, 1799, in which, among other things, it is said : ‘ There can be
but little doubt, sir, of our descending from the same stock, as the branches of it
proceeded from the same country ; at what time your ancestors left England is not
mentioned ; mine came to America nearly one hundred and fifty years ago.’

“At the age of sixteen I received, in 1794, a commission in the Dutch service,
but was unwilling to serve the Bavarian republic founded in 1795; and, being a
faithful follower of the house of Orange, I emigrated. At the formation of the Dutch
brigade of the Prince of Orange in the English service in 1799, I was appointed
lieutenant in that brigade, until the disbanding of the latter, after the peace of Amiens,
in 1802. A few months later I had the good fortune to enter the Bavarian service.

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON. *

127

eleventh of February (Old style), 1732. This interest¬
ing spot is now marked by a stone, placed there by the
hand of filial affection and gratitude in 1815.*

Since then, nearly forty-two years have passed, of which I have been attached no
less than thirty-seven years to the most high person of the king, partly as marshal
of the court, and partly as aid-de-camp.

“I have also planted a stock in Bavaria, which, if God will, is some time to bear
good fruit to the king and country. I have three sons : the eldest, Ludwig, sixteen
years old, is a page of his majesty the king ; the second, Max, fourteen years old,
is pupil in the royal corps of cadets ; and the third, Karl, ten years old, frequents
the public school. By my two ijaarriages with daughters of families of the highest
nobility in the land, my children are placed in agreeable circumstances, even when
I shall be no more ; and, in this manner, this branch of the family in this new country
may flourish. God give his blessing to it !

“It would lead me too far to enter into details of my biography; for, being in
earlier years frequently exposed to the storms of fate, brought on chiefly by revolu¬
tions, and at a later period in important offices and other relations, I could not do it
without being very long ; and, since this letter has already attained a considerable
extent, that which has been said will, I hope, satisfy you. I will only add, in order
that you may become altogether acquainted with my situation here, that I will sub¬
join to the signature of my name what is otherwise not usual ; but in this case, I
think, may make an exception, because it forms in a manner a part of my biography.

“ Thanking you for the literary production transmitted to me, which possesses,
by the preface of the renowned Professor Herman, an enhanced value, I remain,
with sentiments of perfect esteem, your devoted,

“Baron Von Washington.

“ Royal Bavarian Chamberlain , Lieutenant-General and Aid-de-Camp to his Majesty the

King, Commander of the Order of Civil Merit of the Bavarian Crown, of the Greek

Order of the Saviour, of the British Military Order of the Bath, Knight of the Royal

French Order of the Legion of Honor, and Lord of Notzing.

“To Dr. J. G. Fluzel,

“ Consul of the U. S. of N. America, in Leipsic.”

* In a letter to the editor of the Alexandria Gazette, dated Arlington house, April
14, 1851, Mr. Custis gave the following interesting account of the placing of that
memorial stone, with his own hands, upon the spot where stood the birthplace of
Washington : —

“ Observing in your valuable journal, of a late date, the notice of a stone placed
on the ruins of the house in which the beloved Washington first saw the light, per¬
mit me to offer to you a brief account of that interesting event, as it occured six-and-
thirty years ago.

“In June, 1815, I sailed on my own vessel, the ‘Lady of the Lake/ a fine top¬
sail schooner of ninety tons, accompanied by two gentlemen, Messrs. Lewis and

128

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Upon the father becoming engaged in the agency of
the Principe iron-works, and after the conflagration of his

Grimes, bound to Pope’s creek, in the county of Westmoreland, carrying with us a
slab of freestone, having the following inscription —

HEEE

THE 11th OF FEBRUARY, 1T32, (Old Style,)

GEORGE WASHINGTON
' WAS BORN.

Our pilot approached the Westmoreland shore cautiously (as our vessel drew nearly
eight feet of water), and he was but indifferently acquainted with so unfrequented a
navigation.

“We anchored some distance from the land, and, taking to our boats, we soon
reached the mouth of Pope’s or Bridge’s creek, an<?proceeding upward we fell in with
McKenzie Beverly, Esq., and several gentlemen composing a fishing party, and also
with the overseer of the property that formed the object of our visit. We were kindly
received by these individuals, and escorted to the spot, where a few scattered bricks
alone marked the birthplace of the chief.

“ Desirous of making the ceremonial of depositing the stone as imposing as circum¬
stances would permit, we enveloped it in the * star-spangled banner’ of our country,
and it was borne to its resting-place in the arms of the descendants of four revolu¬
tionary patriots and soldiers — Samuel Lewis, son of George Lewis, a captain in
Baylor’s regiment of horse, and nephew of Washington; William Grymes, the
son of Benjamin Grymes, a gallant and distinguished officer of the life-guard ; the
Captain of the vessel, the son of a brave soldier wounded in the battle of Guilford ;
and George W. P. Custis, the son of John Parke Custis, aid-de-camp to the
commander-in-chief before Cambridge and Yorktown.

“ We gathered together the bricks of an ancient chimney that once formed the
hearth around which Washington in his infancy had played, and constructed a rude
kind of pedestal, on which we reverently placed the first stone, commending it to
the respect and protection of the American people in general, and the citizens of
Westmoreland in particular.

“ Bidding adieu to those who had received us so kindly, we re-embarked, and
hoisted our colors, and being provided with a piece of cannon and suitable amuni-
tion, we fired a salute, awakening the echoes that had slept for ages around the
hallowed spot ; and while the smoke of our martial tribute to the birthplace of the
Pater Patriee still lingered on the bosom of the Potomac, we spread our sails to a
favoring breeze, and sped joyously to our homes.

“ Such was an act of filial love and gratitude, performed more than a third of a
century ago ; such is the history of the first stone to the memory of Wash¬
ington.

“ Health and respect, my dear sir,

“George W. P. Custis.”

* A drawing of this stone, with the inscription, may be found in Lossing’s Field
Boole of the Revolution.

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

129

seat in Westmoreland, he removed, with his family, to a
situation near the village of Fredericksburg,* where he died
about middle age, universally esteemed as a man of wrorth
and honor, and as a useful member of society. He is
described as having been of fair complexion, tall stature,
and manly proportions.

At the time of his father’s death, George Washington
was between eleven and twelve years of age. He has
been heard to say, that he knew little of his father, other
than a remembrance of his person, and of his parental
fondness. Of the mother, that distinguished woman, to
whose peculiar cast of character, and more than ancient
discipline in the education of her illustrious son, himself
ascribed the origin of his fortunes and his fame, we have
much to say.

She was descended from the very respectable family
of Ball, who settled as English colonists, on the banks of
the Potomac.f Bred in those domestic and independent
habits, which graced the Virginia matrons in the olden
days, this lady, by the death of her husband, became in¬
volved in the cares of a young family, at a period when

* A picture of this dwelling of the Washington family may be found in Lossing’s
Field-Book of the Revolution .

f Bishop Meade in his History of Old Churches, Ministers, and Families of Virginia,
gives a description of a picture of armorial bearings that he had seen, on which
is a lion rampant with a globe in his paws ; a helmet, and shield, and vizor ; a coat-
of-mail, and other things betokening strength and courage ; and for a motto words
from a line of Ovid — Coelumque tueri. On the back of the picture is written —
“ The coat-of-arms of Colonel William Ball, who came from England with his
family about the year 1650, and settled at the mouth of Corotoman river, in Lancaster
county, Virginia, and died in 1669, leaving two sons, William and Joseph, and one
daughter, Hannah, who married Daniel Fox. William left eight sons (and one
daughter) five of whom have now (Anno Domini, 1779) male issue. Joseph’s male
issue is extinct. General George Washington is his grandson, by his youngest
daughter, Mary.”

130

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

these responsibilities seem more especially to claim the
aid and control of the stronger sex ; and it was left for
this remarkable woman, by a method the most rare, by
an education and discipline the most peculiar and im¬
posing, to form in the youth-time of her son those great
and essential qualities which led him on to the glories of
his after-life. If the school savored more of the Spartan
than the Persian character, it was a fitter one in which to
form a hero, destined to be the ornament of the time in
which he flourished, and a standard of excellence for ages
yet to come.

It was said by the ancients that the mother always
gave the tone to the character of the child • and we may
be permitted to say, that since the days of antiquity, a
mother has not lived, better fitted to give the tone and
character of real greatness to her child, than her, whose
life and actions this reminiscence will endeavor to illus¬
trate.

The mother of Washington, in forming him for those
distinguished parts he was destined to perform, first
taught him the duties of obedience, the better to pre¬
pare him for those of command. In the well-ordered
domicil, where his early years were passed, the levity
and indulgence, common to youth, was tempered by a
deference and well-regulated restraint, which, while it
curtailed or suppressed no rational enjoyment, usual in
the spring-time of life, prescribed those enjoyments with¬
in the bounds of moderation and propriety.

The matron held in reserve an authority, which never
departed from her ; not even when her son had become the
most illustrious of men. It seemed to say, 66 1 am your
mother, the being who gave you life, the guide who di-

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

131

rected your steps when they needed the guidance of age
and wisdom, the parental affection which claimed your
love, the parental authority which commanded your
obedience ; whatever may be your success, whatever
your renown, next to your God you owe them most to
me.” Nor did the chief dissent from these truths, but to
the last moments of the life of his venerable parent, he
yielded to her will the most dutiful and implicit obe¬
dience, and felt for her person and character the most
holy reverence and attachment.

This lady possessed not the ambition which is common
to lesser minds ; and the peculiar plainness, yet dignity
of her habits and manners, became in nowise altered,
when the sun of glory rose upon her house, in the char¬
acter of her child. The late Lawrence Washington, Esq.,
of Chotank, one of the associates of the juvenile years of
the chief, and remembered by him in his will, thus de¬
scribes the home of the mother : —

“ I was often there with George, his playmate, school¬
mate, and young man’s companion. Of the mother I
was ten times more afraid than I ever was of my own
parents. She awed me in the midst of her kindness, for
she was, indeed, truly kind. I have often been present
with her sons, proper tall fellows too, and we were all as
mute as mice ; and even now, when time has whitened
my locks, and I am the grand-parent of a second gener¬
ation, I could not behold that remarkable woman with¬
out feelings it is impossible to describe. Whoever has
seen that awe-inspiring air and manner so ‘characteristic
in the Father of his Country, will remember the matron
as she appeared when the presiding genius of her well-
ordered household, commanding and being obeyed.”

132

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Of the many anecdotes touching the early life of the
chief, we shall present our readers with one of no ordin¬
ary interest and character.

The blooded horse was the Yirginian favorite of those
days as well as these. Washington’s mother, fond of the
animal to which her deceased husband had been particu¬
larly attached, had preserved the race in its greatest
purity, and at the time of our story possessed several
young horses of superior promise.

One there was, a sorrel, destined to be as famous (and
for much better reason) as the horse, which the brutal
emperor raised to the dignity of consul. This sorrel was
'of a fierce and ungovernable nature, and resisted all at¬
tempts to subject him to the rein. He had reached his
fullest size and vigor, unconscious of a rider ; he ranged
free in the air, which he snuffed in triumph, tossing his
mane to the winds, and spurning the earth in the pride
of his freedom. It was a matter of common remark,
that a man never would be found hardy enough to back
and ride this vicious horse. Several had essayed, but
deterred by the fury of the 'animal, they had desisted
from their attempts, and the steed remained unbroken.

The young Washington proposed to his companions,
that if they would assist him in confining the steed, so
that a bridle could be placed in his mouth, he would
engage to tame this terror of the parish. Accordingly,
early the ensuing morning, the associates decoyed the
horse into an inclosure, where they secured him, and
forced a bit into his mouth. Bold, vigorous, and young,
the daring youth sprang to his unenvied seat, and bidding
his comrades remove their tackle, the indignant courser
rushed to the plain.

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

133

As if disdaining his burden, he at first attempted to
fly, but soon felt the power of an arm which could have
tamed his Arab grandsires, in their wildest course on
their native deserts. The struggle now became terrific
to the beholders, who almost wished that they had not
joined in an enterprise, so likely to be fatal to their
daring associate. But the youthful hero, that “spirit-
protected man,”* clung to the furious steed, till centaur¬
like, he appeared to make part of the animal itself.
Long was the conflict, and the fears of the associates be¬
came more relieved as, with matchless skill the rider jore-
served his seat, and with unyielding force controlled the
courser’s rage, when the gallant horse, summoning all his
powers to one mighty effort, reared, and plunged with
tremendous violence, burst his noble heart, and died in
an instant.

The rider, “alive, unharmed, and without a wound,”
was joined by the youthful group, and all gazed upon
the generous steed, which now prostrate, “ trailed in dust
the honors of his mane,” while from distended nostrils
gushed in torrents the life-blood that a moment before
had swollen in his veins.

The first surprise was scarcely over, With a what’s to
be done ? Who shall tell this tale ? when the party were
summoned to the morning’s meal. A conversation, the
most mol a projoos to the youthful culprits, became intro¬
duced by the matron’s asking, “ Pray, young gentlemen,
have you seen my blooded colts in your rambles ? I hope
they are well taken care of ; my favorite, I am told, is as
large as his sire.” Considerable embarrassment being

* This refers to a remarkable Indian prophecy, given in a future chapter of this
work.

134

BECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

observable, the lady repeated her question, when George
Washington replied, “ Your favorite, the sorrel, is dead,
madam.” “ Dead,” exclaimed the lady ; “ why, how has
this happened ?” Nothing dismayed, the youth continued,
“ That sorrel horse has long been considered ungovern¬
able, and beyond the power of man to back or ride him ;
this morning, aided by my friends, we forced a bit into
his mouth ; I backed him, I rode him, and in a desperate
struggle for the mastery, he fell under me and died upon
the spot.” The hectic of a moment was observed to
flush on the matron’s cheek, but like a summer cloud, it
soon passed away, and all was serene and tranquil, when
she remarked : 66 It is well ; but while I regret the loss of
my favorite, I rejoice in my son , who always speaks the truth!1

At the time of this occurrence, the figure of the lad
is described by his contemporaries as being that of the
athletse of the games. Although of manners somewhat
grave and reserved, he indulged in the gayeties common
to the youth at that period. He particularly excelled in
all the manly exercises, sought the companionship of the
intelligent and deserving, and was beloved and admired
by all who knew him.

Upon his appointment to the office of commander-in¬
chief of the American armies,* General Washington, pre-

* Washington was appointed commander-in-chief of all the forces raised, or to be
raised, for the defence of the colonies, on the fifteenth of June, 1775. John Adams
has left on record the following interesting particulars concerning that appoint¬
ment : —

“Every post brought me letters from my friends, Dr. Winthrop, Dr. Cooper,
General James Warren, and sometimes from General Ward and his aids, and Gen¬
eral Heath and many others, urging, in pathetic terms, the impossibility of keeping
their men together without the assistance of (Congress. I was daily urging all these
things, but we were embarrassed with more than one difficulty, not only with the
party in favor of the petition to the king, and the party who were jealous of inde-

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

135

viously to his joining the forces at Cambridge [July 3,
1775], removed his mother from her country residence
to the village of Fredericksburg, a situation remote from
danger, and contiguous to her friends and relatives.

pendence, but a third party, which was a southern party against a northern, and a
jealousy against a New-England army under the command of a New-England gen¬
eral. Whether this jealousy was sincere, or whether it was mere pride and a haughty
ambition of furnishing a southern general to command the northern army, I can not
say ; but the intention was very visible to me that Colonel Washington was their object,
and so many of our stanchest men were in the plan that we could carry nothing with¬
out conceding to it. Another embarrassment, which was never publicly known, and
which was carefully concealed by those who knew it, the Massachusetts and other
New-England delegates were divided. Mr. Hancock and Mr. Cushing hung back,
Mr. Paine did not come forward, and even Mr. Samuel Adams was irresolute. Mr.
Hancock himself had an ambition to be appointed commander-in-chief Whether
he thought an election a compliment due to him, and intended to have the honor of
declining it, or whether he would have accepted it, I know not. To the compliment
he had some pretensions ; for, at that time, his exertions, sacrifices, and general
merits in the cause of his country, had been incomparably greater than those of
Colonel Washington. But the delicacy of his health, and his entire want of expe¬
rience in actual service, though an excellent militia officer, were decisive objections
to him in my mind. In canvassing this subject out of doors, I found, too, that even
among the delegates of Virginia there were difficulties. The apostolical reasonings
among themselves which should be the greatest were not less energetic among the
saints of the Ancient Dominion than they were among us of New England. In
several conversations I found more than one very cool about the appointment of
Washington, and particularly Mr. Pendleton was very clear and full against it.

“ Pull of anxieties concerning these confusions, and apprehending daily that we
should hear very distressing news from Boston, I walked with Mr. Samuel Adams
in the statehouse-yard for a little exercise and fresh air before the hour of Congress,
and there represented to him the various dangers that surrounded us. He agreed
to them all, but said, ‘What shall we doP I answered him that he knew I had
taken great pains to get our colleagues to agree upon some plan, that we might
be unanimous ; but he knew that they would pledge themselves to nothing ; but I
was determined to take a step which should compel them and all the other members
of Congress to declare themselves for or against something. ‘ I am determined this
morning to make a direct motion that Congress should adopt the army before Boston,
and appoint Colonel Washington commander of it.’ Mr. Adams seemed to think
very seriously of it, but said nothing.

“ Accordingly, when Congress had assembled, I rose in my place, and in as short
a speech as the subject would admit, represented the state of the colonies, the uncer¬
tainty in the minds of the people, their great expectation and anxiety, the distresses

136

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

It was there the matron remained during nearly the
whole of the trying period of the Revolution. Directly
in the way of the news, as it passed from north to south,
one courier would bring intelligence of success to our
arms, another “ swiftly coursing at his heels,” the sadden¬
ing tale of disaster and defeat. While thus ebbed and

of the army, the danger of its dissolution, the difficulty of collecting another ; and
the probability that the British army would take advantage of our delays, march out
of Boston, and spread desolation as far as they could go. I concluded with a mo¬
tion, in form, that Congress would adopt the army at Cambridge, and appoint a
general ; that though this was not the proper time to nominate a general, yet, as I
had reason to believe this was a point of the greatest difficulty, I had no hesitation
to declare that I had but one gentleman in my mind for that important command,
and that was a gentleman from Virginia, who was among us, and very well known
to all of us ; a gentleman whose skill and experience as an officer, whose independent
fortune, great talents, and excellent universal character would command the approba¬
tion of all America, and unite the cordial exertions of all the colonies better than any
other person in the Union. Mr. Washington, who happened to sit near the door, as
soon as he heard me allude to him, from his usual modesty, darted into the library room.
Mr. Hancock, who was our president, which gave me an opportunity to observe his
countenance while I was speaking on the state of the colonies, the army at Cambridge,
and the enemy, heard me with visible pleasure ; but when I came to describe Washing¬
ton for the commander, I never remarked a more sudden and striking change of coun¬
tenance. Mortification and resentment were expressed as forcibly as his face could
exhibit them. Mr. Samuel Adams seconded the motion, and that did not soften the
president’s physiognomy at all. The subject came under debate, and several gentle¬
men declared themselves against the appointment of Mr. Washington, not on ac¬
count of any personal objection against him, but because the army were all from
New England, had a general of their own, appeared to be satisfied with him, and had
proved themselves able to imprison the British army in Boston, which was all they
expected or desired at that time.

“ Mr. Pendleton, of Virginia, Mr. Sherman, of Connecticut, were very explicit in
declaring this opinion. Mr. Cushing arid several others more faintly expressed their
opposition, and their fears of discontent in the army and in New England. Mr.
Paine expressed a great opinion of General Ward, and a strong friendship for him,
having been his classmate at college, or, at least, his contemporary; but gave no
opinion on the question. The subject was postponed to a future day. In the mean¬
time, pains were taken out of doors to obtain a unanimity, and the voices were gen¬
erally so clearly in favor of Washington, that the dissenting members were persuaded,
to withdraw their opposition, and Mr. Washington was nominated, I believe, by Mr.
Thomas Johnson, of Maryland, unanimously elected, and the army adopted.” — Life
and Works of John Adams, ii. 415 to 418, inclusive.

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

137

flowed the fortunes of our cause, the mother, trusting to
the wisdom and protection of Divine Providence, pre¬
served the even tenor of her life, affording an example
to those matrons whose sons were alike engaged in the
arduous contest ; and showing that unavailing anxieties,
however belonging to human nature, were unworthy of
mothers whose sons were combatting for the inestimable
rights of mankind, and the freedom and happiness of un¬
born ages.

When the comforting and glorious intelligence arrived
of the passage of the Delaware (Dec. ’76*), an event
which restored our hopes from the very brink of despair,
a number of her friends waited upon the mother with
congratulations. She received them with calmness ; ob¬
served that it was most pleasurable news, and that George
appeared to have deserved well of his country for such
signal service ; and continued, in reply to the gratulating
patriots (most of whom held letters in their hands, from
which they read extracts, for gazettes were not so plenty
then as now), “but, my good sirs, here is too much
flattery ; still George will not forget the lessons I early
taught him — he will not forget himself, though he is the
subject of so much praise.”

Here I will speak of the absurdity of an idea which,
from some strange cause or other, has been suggested,
though certainly never believed, that the mother of
Washington was disposed to favor the royal cause. Not
the slightest foundation has such a surmise in truth.
Like many others, whose days of enthusiasm were in
the wane, that lady doubted the prospects of success in
the outset of the war, and long during its continuance

* See notes on the battle of Princeton.

138

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

feared that our means would be found inadequate to a
successful contest with so formidable a power as Britain ;
and that our soldiers, brave, but undisciplined and ill pro¬
vided, would be unequal to cope with the veteran and
well-appointed troops of the king. Doubts like these
were by no means confined to this Virginia matron, but
were both entertained and expressed by the stanchest
of patriots and the most determined of men. When
that mother, who had been removed to the county of
Frederick, on .the invasion of Virginia, in 1781, was in¬
formed by express of the surrender of Cornwallis, she
raised her hands to heaven, and exclaimed, “ Thank
God, war will now be ended, and peace, independence,
and happiness, bless our country.”

The commander-in-chief was absent from his native
state from the spring of ’75 to the fall of ’81, a period of
nearly seven years. It was his habit to send for Mrs.
Washington at the close of a campaign, and to return
her to Mount Vernon on the opening of an ensuing one.
This estimable lady used to observe, that she always
heard the first cannon on the opening, and the last at
the close of the campaigns of the Revolutionary war.

It happened that while remaining later than usual in
the camp on the Hudson, an alarm was given of the
approach of the enemy from New York. The aids-de-
camp proposed that the ladies (these being the wives of
Generals Greene and Knox, and others at headquarters)
should be sent off under an escort. This the chief
refused, remarking, the presence of our wives will the
better encourage us to a brave defence. On a dark
night, the words of command from the officers, the
marching of the troops, the dragging of artillery into the

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

139

yard, the taking out of the windows of the house, and the
filling of the house itself with soldiers, “ all gave dread¬
ful note of preparation,” when the enemy finding them¬
selves mistaken in their hopes of surprise, withdrew
without coming to blows.*

During the war, and indeed during her useful life, and
until within three years of her death, when an afflictive
disease prevented exertion, the mother of Washington
set a most valuable example in the management of her
domestic concerns, carrying her own keys, bustling in
her household affairs, providing for her own wants, and
living and moving in all the pride of independence.
There are some of the aged inhabitants of Fredericks¬
burg who well remember the matron as, seated in an old-
fashioned open chaise, she was in the habit of almost

* This little episode, so abruptly introduced here, is doubtless one of a series of
similar events which took place while the American army lay at Morristown, in
New Jersey, during the winter and spring of 1779 and 1780. The main body of
the army was encamped upon the southern slope of a mountain near that village,
and until the middle of February occupied tents. Then they were received into
comfortable huts, which they occupied until the breaking up of the camp in the
spring. The camp extended from the headquarters in the Ford mansion, about a
quarter of a mile from the village of Morristown, westward for several miles. Du¬
ring that winter, the proximity of the army to the enemy in New York caused fre¬
quent alarms, wdiich usually set the whole camp in motion. Sentinels were set at
intervals between the camp and headquarters, and pickets were planted at distant
points toward the Raritan and Hudson, with intervening sentinels. Sometimes an
alarm would commence by the firing of a gun at some distant point. This would
be responded to by the sentinels all along the line to headquarters, when the
general’s life-guard would rush to the house of the chief, barricade the doors and
throw up the windows. At each window five soldiers, with their muskets cocked
and brought to a charge, would generally be placed, and there remain until the
troops from the camp marched to headquarters, and the cause of the alarm was
ascertained. These occasions were very annoying to the ladies of the household ;
for, as I was informed by the late Judge Ford (then a boy fourteen years of age,
and living there), Mrs. Washington and his mother were obliged to lie in bed, some¬
times for hours, with their room full of soldiers, and the keen winter air from the
open windows piercing through their drawn curtains.

♦

140

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

daily visiting her little farm in the vicinity of the town.
When there, she would ride about her fields, giving her
orders, and seeing that they were obeyed. On one occa¬
sion an agent to whom she had given directions as to a
particular piece of work, varied from his instructions in
its execution. The lady, whose coup d'odl was as perfect
in rural affairs as that of her son in war, pointed out the
error. The agent excused himself by saying, that “in
his judgment the work was done to more advantage than
it would have been by his first directions.” Mrs. Wash¬
ington replied, “ And pray, who gave you any exercise
of judgment in the matter ? I command you, sir ; there
is nothing left for you but to obey.”

Her great industry, with the well-regulated economy
of all her concerns, enabled theynatron to dispense con¬
siderable charities to the poor, although her own circum¬
stances were always far from rich. All manner of domes¬
tic economics, so useful in those times of privation and
trouble, received her zealous attention; while every¬
thing about her household bore marks of her care and
management, and very many things the impress of her
own hands.

In a very humble dwelling, at the advanced age of
eighty-two, and suffering under an excruciating disease
(cancer of the breast), thus lived this mother of the first
of men, preserving unchanged her peculiar nobleness
and independence of character. She was continually
visited and solaced by her children and numerous grand¬
children, particularly her daughter, Mrs. Lewis. To the
repeated and earnest solicitations of this lady, that she
would remove to her house and pass the remainder of
her days ; to the pressing entreaties of her son that she

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

141

would make Mount Vernon the home of her old age, the
matron replied; "I thank you for your affectionate and
dutiful offers, but my wants are few in this world, and I
feel perfectly competent to take care of myself.” Upon
her son-in-law, Colonel Fielding Lewis proposing that he
should relieve her in the direction of her affairs, she
observed ; “ Do you, Fielding, keep my books in order,
for your eyesight is better than mine, but leave the ex¬
ecutive management to me.”

One weakness alone belonged to this lofty-minded and
intrepid woman, and that proceeded from a most affect¬
ing cause. It was a fear of lightning. In early life, a
female friend had been killed at her side, while sitting at
the table, the knife and fork in the hands of the unfor¬
tunate being melted by the electric fluid. The matron
never recovered from the shock occasioned by this dis¬
tressing incident. On the approach of a thunder-cloud,
she would retire to her chamber, and not leave it again
till the storm had passed over.

Always pious, in her latter days her devotions were
performed in private. She was in the habit of repairing
every day to a secluded spot, formed by rocks and trees
near to her dwelling, where, abstracted from the world
and worldly things, she communed with her Creator in
humiliation and prayer.

Late in the year 1781, on the return of the combined
armies from Yorktown, the mother of Washington was
permitted again to see and embrace her illustrious son,
the first time in almost seven years. As soon as he had
dismounted, in the midst of a numerous and brilliant
suite, after reaching Fredericksburg, he sent to apprize
her of his arrival, and to know when it would be her

142

KECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

pleasure to receive him. And now, reader, mark the
force of early education and habits, and the superiority
of the Spartan over the Persian school, in this interview
of the Great Washington with his admirable parent and
instructor. No pageantry of war proclaimed his coming,
no trumpets sounded, no banners waved. Alone and on
foot, the general-in-chief of the combined armies of
France and America, the deliverer of his country, the
hero of the age, repaired to pay his humble duty to her
whom he venerated as the author of his being — the
founder of his fortunes and his fame ; for full well he
knew that the matron was made of sterner stuff than to
be moved by all the pride that glory ever gave, and all
“ the pomp and circumstance ” of power.

She was alone, her aged hands employed in the works
of domestic industry, when the good news was announced,
and it was further told, that the victor-chief was in wait¬
ing at the threshold. She bid him welcome by a warm
embrace, and by -the well-remembered and endearing
name of George — the familiar name of his childhood;
she inquired as to his health, remarked the lines which
mighty cares and many toils had made in his manly
countenance, spoke much of old times and old friends,
but of his glory not one word.

Meantime, in the village of Fredericksburg, all was joy
and revelry ; the town was crowded with the officers of
the French and American armies, and with gentlemen
for many miles around, who hastened to welcome the
conquerors of Cornwallis.* The citizens got up a splendid
ball, to which the matron was specially invited. She
observed, that although her dancing days were pretty

* See account of the victory at Yorktown in Chapter vi.

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

143

well over, she should feel happy in contributing to the
general festivity, and consented to attend.

The foreign officers were anxious to see the mother
of their chief. They had heard indistinct rumors touch¬
ing her remarkable life and character, but forming their
judgments from European examples, they were prepared
to expect in the mother, that glitter and show which
would have been attached to the parents of the great, in
the countries of the old world. How were they sur¬
prised, when leaning on the arm of her son, she entered
the room, dressed in the very plain, yet becoming garb,
worn by the Virginia lady of the old time. Her address
always dignified and imposing, was courteous, though
reserved. She received the complimentary attentions
which were paid to her without evincing the slightest
elevation, and at an early hour, wishing the company
much enjoyment of their pleasures, observed, that it was
high time for old folks to be in bed, and retired, leaning
as before on the arm of her son.

The foreign officers were amazed in beholding one
whom so many causes conspired to elevate, preserving
the even tenor of her life, while such a blaze of glory
shone upon her name and offspring. It was a moral
spectacle such as the European world had furnished no
examples. Names of ancient lore were heard to escape
from their lips; and they declared, “if such are the
matrons in America, well may she boast of illustrious
sons.”

It was on this festive occasion, that General Washing¬
ton danced a minuet with Mrs. Willis. It closed his
dancing days. The minuet was much in vogue at that
period, and was peculiarly calculated for the display of

144

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

the splendid figure of the chief, and his natural grace
and elegance of air and manner. The gallant French¬
men who were present, of which fine people it may be
said that dancing forms one of the elements of their ex¬
istence, so much admired the American performance, as
to admit that a Parisian education could not have im¬
proved it. As the evening advanced, the commander-in-
chief yielding to the general gayety of the scene, went
down some dozen couple in the contre dance with great
spirit and satisfaction.*

Previous to his departure for Europe, in the fall of
1784, the Marquis de Lafayettef repaired to Fredericks¬
burg to pay his parting respects to the mother, and to
ask her blessing.

Conducted by one of her grandsons, he approached
the house, when the young gentleman observing, “ There,
sir, is my grandmother ;” the marquis beheld, working in
her garden, clad in domestic-made clothes, and her gray
head covered by a plain straw hat, the mother of “ his
hero, his friend, and a country’s preserver.” The lady
saluted him kindly, observing, “ Ah, marquis, you see an
old woman • but come, I can make you welcome to my
poor dwelling, without the parade of changing my dress.”

Much as Lafayette had seen and heard of the matron

* The venerable widow of General Alexander Hamilton, informed me, that
Washington was never known to dance after the close of the Revolutionary war.
She was present at many balls where he attended. He would sometimes walk
through a figure or two with ladies, during the evening, but never took the steps of
the dance.

t Lafayette revisited the United States in 1784, and with eager steps he made his
way to Mount Vernon as quickly as possible, after reaching our shores. He was
twice a guest with Washington during that year ; the first time in July, and the last
in November. An account of these visits will be found in another part of this
volume.

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

145

before, on tbis interesting interview he was at once
charmed, and struck with wonder. When he considered
her great age, the transcendant elevation of her son,
who, surpassing all rivals in the race of glory, “ bore the
palm alone,” and at the same time discovered no change
in her plain, yet dignified life and manners, he became
assured that nature had not cast this distinguished
woman in an ordinary mould, and that the Roman
matron could flourish in the modern day.

The marquis discoursed of the happy effects of the
Revolution, and the goodly prospects which opened upon
regenerated America ; spoke of his speedy departure for
his native land ; paid the tribute of his heart, in his love
and admiration of her illustrious son ; and concluded, by
asking her blessing. She gave it to him, and to the
encomiums which he had lavished upon his hero and
paternal chief, she replied in these words, “ I am not sur¬
prised at what George has done, for he was always a
very good boy.”

Immediately after the organization of the present gov¬
ernment,* the chief magistrate repaired to Fredericks¬
burg, to pay his humble duty to his mother, preparatory
to his departure for New York. An affecting scene en¬
sued. The son feelingly remarked the ravages which
a torturing disease had made upon the aged frame of the
mother, and addressed her with these words : “ The peo¬
ple, madam, have been pleased, with the most flattering
unanimity, to elect me to the chief magistracy of these
United States, but before I can assume the functions of
my office, I have come to bid you an affectionate fare¬
well. So soon as the weight of public business, which

=* In the spring of 1789

146

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

must necessarily attend the outset of a new government,
can be disposed of, I shall hasten to Virginia, and” —
Here the matron interrupted with — 66 and you will see
me no more ; my great age, and the disease which is
fast approaching my vitals, warn me that I shall not be
long in this world ; I trust in God that I may be some¬
what prepared for a better. But go, George, fulfil the
the high destinies which Heaven appears to have intended
you for; go, my son, and may that Heaven’s and a
mother’s blessing be with you always.”

The president was deeply affected. His head rested
upon the shoulder of his parent, whose aged arm feebly,
yet fondly encircled his neck. That brow on which
fame had wreathed the purest laurel virtue ever gave to
created man, relaxed from its lofty bearing. That look
which could have awed a Roman senate in its Fabrician
day, was bent in filial tenderness upon the time-worn
features of the aged matron. He wept. A thousand
recollections crowded upon his mind, as memory re¬
tracing scenes long passed, carried him back to the
maternal mansion and the days of juvenility, where he
beheld that mother, whose care, education, and discipline,
caused him to reach the topmost height of laudable am¬
bition. Yet, how were his glories forgotten, while he
gazed upon her whom, wasted by time and malady, he
should part with to meet no more. Her predictions
were but too true. The disease which so long had preyed
upon her frame, completed its triumph, and she expired
at the age of eighty-five, rejoicing in the consciousness
of a life well spent, and confiding in the belief of a blessed
immortality.

In her person, the matron was of the middle size, and

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

147

well proportioned; her features pleasing, yet strongly
marked. It is not the happiness of the author to re¬
member her, haying only seen her with infant eyes.
The sister of the chief he perfectly well remembers.
She was a most majestic-looking woman, and so strikingly
like the brother, that it was a matter of frolic to throw a
cloak around her, and placing a military hat on her head,
such was her amazing resemblance, that on her appear¬
ance, battalions would have presented arms, and senates
risen to do homage to the chief.*

In her latter days, the matron often spoke of her own
good boy ; of the merits of his early life ; of his love and
duty; but of the deliverer of his country — the chief magis¬
trate of the great republic, never. Call you this insensi¬
bility ? call you it want of ambition ? Oh, no ; her ambition
had been gratified to overflowing. In her Spartan school
she had taught him to be good — that he became great,
was a consequence, not the cause.

Thus lived and died this distinguished woman. Had
she been of the olden time, statues would have been
erected to her memory in the capitol, and she would
have been called the Mother of Komans. When another
century shall have elapsed, and our descendants shall
have learned the true value of liberty, how will the fame
of the paternal chief be cherished in story and in song,
nor will be forgotten her, who first “ bent the twig” to
“incline the tree” to glory.

Then, and not till then, will youth and age, maid and
matron, aye, and bearded men, with pilgrim step, repair

* This was the mother of Lawrence Lewis, the favorite nephew of Washington,
who married Eleanor Parke Custis, mentioned in the preceding Memoir of the
author of these Recollections.

148

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

to the now neglected grav%e of the mother of Wash¬
ington.*

* It is yet a neglected grave. This Memoir was written more than thirty years
ago. It was first published in the National Gazette , on the 13th of May, 1826. It
attracted a great deal of attention at the time, and a project was set on foot for the
re-entombment of the remains of the matron, and the erection of a monument over
them. This movement was by no means confined to the people of Virginia. It
elicited the public sympathy throughout the Union. The press, as usual, discussed
the subject, and a New York paper proposed that the whole matter of raising the
moderate sum of two thousand dollars, for the erection of the monument, should be
left entirely in the hands of “the American Maids and Matrons.” Mr. Gordon, the
proprietor of the estate on which was the matron’s grave, had some correspondence
with Mr. Custis on the subject, and the inhabitants of Fredericksburg got up a
memorial. But the whole project slumbered for several years.

Finally, in 1833, Silas E. Burrows, Esq., of the city of New York, undertook to
erect a monument to the memory of the mother of Washington, at his own expense.
The corner-stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies, very near her grave, a spot
which she herself had selected for burial, on the land of her son-in-law, Colonel
Fielding Lewis, near the ledge of rocks where she used to retire for meditation and
devotion. It was placed by Andrew Jackson, then president of the United States,
on the seventh of May, 1833, in the presence of a great concourse of people. He
went down the Potomac from Washington city, on the sixth, and was met at Potomac
creek, nine miles from Fredericksburg, by the monument committee of that city.
He was received by a military escort, by whom he was conducted to the residence
of Doctor Wallace, in Fredericksburg, where he was entertained until the following
day, when a large military and civic procession was formed, proceeded to the grave,
and there engaged in imposing ceremonies.

The procession was formed in the following order : —

1. A detachment of cavalry.

2. The chief architect and masonic societies. In this division, Silas E. Burrows,
of New York, was assigned a conspicuous and honorable station.

3. The president of the United States in an open carriage, with the heads of de¬
partments, and his private secretary (Major Donelson), accompanied by the monu¬
ment committee.

4. The clergy, and relatives of Washington.

5. The mayor and common council of Fredericksburg.

6. A handsome company of small boys, in complete uniform, with wooden guns.

7. The officers of the army and navy of the United States, and the invited
strangers.

8. A battalion of volunteers under the command of Major Patten, and several
companies of infantry from Washington and Alexandria, with the marine band.

9. Strangers and citizens, six abreast.

It was estimated that at least fifteen thousand persons were present on the occa¬
sion. After an appropriate prayer by the Reverend E. C. M‘Guire (since author of

THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON.

149

a volume on the Religious Character of Washington), Mr. Bassett, one of the mem¬
bers of the monument committee, delivered an eloquent address to the president on
the character of her whom they sought to honor. The president made a most touch¬
ing reply, and as he deposited an inscribed plate in the corner stone, he said, “ Fellow-
citizens, at your request, and in your name, I now deposite this plate in the spot
destined for it ; and when the American pilgrim shall, in after ages, come up to this
high and holy place, and lay his hand upon this sacred column, may he recall the
virtues of her who sleeps beneath, and depart with his affections purified, and his
piety strengthened, while he invokes blessings upon the memory of the mother of
Washington.”

Mrs. Sigourney thus wrote, in reference to this event : —

“ Long hast thou slept unnoticed. Nature stole
In her soft minstrelsy around thy bed,

Spreading her vernal tissue, violet-gemmed,

And pearled with dews.

She bade bright summer bring
Gifts of frankincense, with sweet song of birds,

And autumn cast his reaper’s coronet
Down at thy feet, and stormy winter speak
Sternly of man’s neglect. But now we come
To do thee homage — Mother of our chief ! —

Fit homage, such as honoreth him who pays.

Methinks we see thee, as in olden time —

Simple in garb, majestic, and serene ;

Unmoved by pomp or circumstances ; in truth
Inflexible ; and, with a Spartan zeal,

Repressing vice and making folly grave.

Thou didst not deem it woman’s part to waste
Life in inglorious sloth — to sport a while
Amid the flowers, or on the summer wave,

Then, fleet like the Ephemeron, away,

Building no temple in her children’s hearts,

Save to the vanity and pride of life
Which she had worshipped.

For the might that clothed
The “Pater Patrim” — for the glorious deeds
That make Mount Vernon’s tomb a Mecca shrine
For all the earth, what thanks to thee are due,

Who, 'mid his elements of being wrought,

We know not — Heaven can tell.”

The monument thus commenced, was never finished. Everything was completed
but the obelisk with which it was to be surmounted, and the inscription. Commer¬
cial reverses soon afterward befel the noble inceptor and designer, and he was com-
celled to abandon his patriotic work. And with shame be it spoken, the citizens of

150

KECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Virginia have left the unfinished monument to crumble into dust, and the mother
of Washington to remain unhonored. Yet' there is a ray of light. A correspondent
of the New Hampshire Patriot, writing from Whampoa, in China, under date of
December 20, 1858, speaks thus of Mr. Burrows and the monument : —

“ I supposed he was long since dead, and that his monument and memory would
perish together. But he still lives ; and though his great object is suspended, it is
not abandoned, but only adjourned till he can recuperate his fortunes. I met with
him in Hong Kong, where, with two sons, he is conducting commercial enterprises,
and sails baclj and forward between China and California with as little thought as
you in taking the railroad for Boston. An old man and lame, on the other side of
the globe, so far from his monument, and forgotten around the monument, even, as
well as at home, it was touching to the heart to find him here, with one object, one
thought, one last effort, remembering the ‘ Mother of Washington/ when he himself
had passed from the memory of the living.”

I visited that unfinished monument near the close of 1848, when the huge obelisk
of white marble, ready for the sculptor’s hand lay there, broken and defaced. The
monument is also of white marble, and even in its unfinished state, had an imposing
appearance. The years of more than a quarter of a century have now passed by
since that corner-stone was laid, with so much pomp and promise, to the memory
of her, of whom it was said by a distingushed gentleman in the city of modern Rome,
that she was “ the most fortunate of American matrons, in having given to her coun¬
try and to the world, a hero without ambition, and a patriot without reproach and
yet the monument is unfinished. It stands there silently appealing to national patri¬
otism and local pride to sculpture its ornaments and seat its obelisk. It does
more ; it rebukes the insensibility of the sons and daughters of Virginia, to the
memory of the most honored woman of the land. Year after year the dust of the
plain has lodged upon the top of the half-finished pile, and the winds have planted
the seeds of flowers and weeds wild there ; and upon the base where that noble obelisk
should stand, the sun, the rain, and the dew, annually weave green garlands and
festoons, as if rebuking the indolence or avarice of insensate man. Even the marble
tablet upon which was to be inscribed the simple words,

MARY, THE MOTHER OF WASHINGTON,
is covered with green moss ; and there is nothing to tell the stranger that near him
lie the mortal remains of her who gave birth to the Father of his Country.

A picture of this unfinished monument may be found in Bossing's Field-Book oj
the Revolution.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

151

CHAPTER II.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

Mbs. Washington’s Miniature — Washington’s Letter to Her on accepting the Com
mand of the Army — Member of the Virginia House of Burgesses — His Personal
Attractions— Mansion-House at Mount Vernon — The Chase— His Company —A Mas¬
ter of Slaves — Billy — Bishop — The Military Hat and War Sword — Billy at
Mount Vernon — Washington’s Exemption from Disease— An Early Eiser— His
Habits in Private and Public — IIis Costume — His War Horse — His Guests and
His Duties — Tour of His Farms — A Description of Him— Use of the Umbrella-
Toasts— Washington’s Evenings — His Habit in Winter — His Exercise — Partiality
to Children — Washington an Observer of the Sabbath.

Forty years a husband, General Washington retained
an old-fashioned habit of husbands, as he always did the
ease and elegance of old-fashioned manners.* From the
time of his marriage, until he ceased to live in nature, he
wore suspended from his neck, by a gold chain, and restr
ing on his bosom, the miniature portrait of his wife. The
letter which he wrote to her, upon his acceptance of the
command of the American arm y,-j* is a proof, both of his

* Washington was married in January 1759, and died in December 1799.
t The following is a copy of the letter, transcribed from the autograph preserved
at Arlington house. It is the only letter from Washington to his wife known to be
in existence : —

“Philadelphia, June 18, 1775.

“ My Dearest : I am now sit down to write you on a subject which fills me with
inexpressible concern, and this concern is greatly aggravated and increased when I
reflect upon the uneasiness I know it will give you. It has been determined in
Congress that the whole army raised for the defence of the American cause shall be
put under my care, and that it is necessary for me to proceed immediately to Boston
to take upon me the command of it.

“You may believe me, my dear Patsy, when I assure you in the most solemn man¬
ner, that, so far from seeking this appointment, I have used every endeavor in my
power to avoid it, not only from my unwillingness to part with you and the family

152

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

conjugal tenderness, and diffidence in receiving so im¬
portant a commission ; also, of the purity of his heart,
and of the generous and nobly disinterested motives
which governed his life and actions.

Soon after his marriage, Colonel Washington became
settled at Mount Vernon,* and was elected frequently

but from a consciousness of its being a trust too great for my capacity, and that I
should enjoy more real happiness in one month with you at home than I have the
most distant prospect of finding abroad, if my stay were to be seven times seven
years. But as it has been a kind of destiny that has thrown me upon this service, I
shall hope that my undertaking it is designed to answer some good purpose. You
might, and I suppose did perceive, from the tenor of my letters, that I was appre¬
hensive I could not avoid this appointment, as I did not pretend to intimate when
I should return. That was the case. It was utterly out of my power to refuse
tlvis appointment without exposing my character to such censures as would have
reflected dishonor upon royself and given pain to my friends. This I am sure
could not, and ought not, to be pleasing to you, and must have lessened me con¬
siderably in my own esteem. I shall rely, therefore, confidently on that Providence
which has heretofore preserved and been bountiful to me, not doubting but that I
shall return safe to you in the fall. I shall feel no pain from the toil or the danger
of the campaign ; my unhappiness will flow from the uneasiness I know you will
feel from being left alone. I therefore beg that you will summon your whole
fortitude, and pass your time as agreeably as possible. Nothing will give me so
much sincere satisfaction as to hear this, and to hear it from your own pen. My
earnest and ardent desire is, that you would pursue any plan that is most likely to
produce content and a tolerable degree of tranquillity ; and it must add greatly to
my uneasy feelings to hear that you are dissatisfied or complaining at what I'really
could not avoid.

“ As life is always uncertain, and common prudence dictates to every man the
necessity of settling his temporal concerns, while it is in his power, and while the
mind is calm and undisturbed, I have, since I came to this place (for I had not time
to do it before I left home), got Colonel Pendleton to draft a will for me, by the
directions I gave him, which will I now enclose. The provision made for you in
case of my death will, I hope, be agreeable.

“ I shall add nothing more, as I have several letters to write, but to desire that you
will remember me to your friends, and to assure you that I am. with the most
unfeigned regard, my dear Patsy, your affectionate, &c.”

* The eminence which gave name to the whole estate on the Potomac, owned by
Washington, and on which the mansion was built, was called Mount Vernon in
honor of Admiral Vernon of the British navy. Lawrence Washington, half-brother
of George, and owner of the estate at that time, had served in the British army before
Carthagena, where Vernon was the naval commander. Lawrence died in July 1752,

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

153

from the county of Fairfax to the house of burgesses.*
During the reigns of the provincial governors, Bote-

at the early age of thirty-four years, leaving a wife and infant daughter. The Mount
Vernon estate was bequeathed to that daughter, and in the event of her decease without
issue, the property was to pass into the absolute possession of George, to whom, in
his will, Lawrence had entrusted the chief care of his affairs, although he was the
youngest executor. He was then only twenty years of age. The daughter did not
long survive her father, and Mount Vernon became the property of George Wash¬
ington. In a letter to a friend in London, soon after his marriage, Washington
wrote concerning his home : “ No estate in United America is more pleasantly
situated. In a high and healthy country ; in a latitude between the extremes of
heat and cold ; on one of the finest rivers in the world — a river well stock with vari¬
ous kinds of fish at all seasons of the year, and in the spring with shad, herring,
bass, carp, sturgeon, &c., in great abundance. The borders of the estate are washed
by more than ten miles of tide-water; several valuable fisheries appertain to it; the
whole shore, in fact, is one entire fishery/’

* While engaged in the campaign of 1758, Colonel Washington was elected a
representative of Frederick county, in the Virginia house of burgesses. Just pre¬
vious to the election, his friends urged him to leave the army for a few days, and
give the weight of his personal presence in favor of himself, as a candidate. The
public good required him to remain with the army, and as that always outweighed
every private consideration, he refused to leave. There were four candidates,
and he was chosen by a large majority over all his competitors. “ Your friends,”
wrote one of his correspondents, “ have been very sincere, so that you have received
more votes than any other candidate. Colonel Ward sat on the bench and repre¬
sented you, and he was carried round the town in the midst of a general applause,
and huzzaing for Colonel Washington.” This was a gratifying result for the young
commander, for he had received the support of the people among whom, in the most
trying times, he had been compelled to exercise strong military restraint.

This election cost Colonel Washington thirty-nine pounds and six shillings, Vir¬
ginia currency. “ Among the items of charge which have been preserved,” says
Sparks, “ are a hogshead and a barrel of punch, thirty-five gallons of wine, forty-
three gallons of strong beer, cider, and dinner for his friends.”

Colonel Washington was a member of the house of burgesses for about fifteen
years. Soon after the meeting of that body, in January 1757, when Washington
appeared there as a member for the first time, it was resolved to return thanks to
him for the distinguished service he had rendered his country in the field. Upon
Speaker Robinson devolved the pleasing duty. “ As soon as Colonel Washington
took his seat,” says Mr. Wirt, “ Mr. Robinson, in obedience to the order, and fol¬
lowing the impulse of his own generous and grateful heart, discharged the duty with
great dignity, but with such warmth of coloring, and strength of expression, as
entirely to confound the young hero. He rose to express his acknowledgments for
the honor, but such was his trepidation and confusion, that he could not give dis¬
tinct utterance to a single syllable. He blushed, stammered, and trembled for a

154

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

* 4

tourt* and Eden/j* the courts of Williamsburg J and An-
napolis§ displayed as much of the polish of high life as was

second ; when the speaker relieved him by a stroke of address that would have done
honor to Louis the Fourteenth in his proudest and happiest moment. ‘ Sit down
Mr. Washington/ said he, with a conciliatory smile, ‘your modesty is equal to
your valor, and that surpasses the power of any language that I possess.’ ”

* Lord Botetourt, one of the king’s lords of the bedchamber, arrived in Virginia
as governor of the colony, in the autumn of 1768. He was the successor of Governor
Fauquier. He was an Englishman; upright, honorable, benevolent and accom¬
plished. When asked by the king, on receiving his appointment, “ When will you
be ready to go ?” he promptly replied, “ To-night.” His manners were very con¬
ciliatory. For this reason Junius described him as a “ cringing, bowing, fawning,
and sword-bearing courtier and Horace Walpole said, on his departure, “ if his
graces don’t captivate the Virginians, he will enrage them to fury ; for I take all his
douceur to be enamelled on iron.” Like others of his class, Lord Botetourt had
underrated the people he had consented to govern ; and his ostentatious display of
vice-regal pomp, when proceeding to open the Virginia assembly, for the first time,
disgusted them. He was, on the whole, one of the best of the royal governors ever
vouchsafed to Virginia, and his memory is cherished with affection in the Old
Dominion. On the green, in front of William and Mary College, at Williamsburg,
is a statue of Lord Botetourt. He died in 1771, and was succeeded by Lord
Dunmore.

t Sir Robert Eden was the last of the royal governors of Maryland, and suc¬
ceeded Governor Sharpe in 1768. He was a very amiable gentleman, and at the
commencement of revolutionary movements against royal authority, he was dis¬
posed to be very conciliatory toward the people of Maryland. But, as royal gover¬
nor, he was compelled to obey the commands of his king and his ministers, and in
so doing, he offended the republican sentiment of his colony, and was obliged to
abdicate. He returned after the war to recover his estates, and died at Annapolis,
in September 1784. His wife was sister to Lord Baltimore.

| Williamsburg, as we have elsewhere remarked, was made the capital of Vir¬
ginia at an early day, and the governors held courts there in a style approaching
that of royalty itself, only on a smaller scale. The remains of the “palace” of Lord
Dunmore may yet be seen. These consist of the two wings. The whole was con¬
structed of brick. The centre portion was accidentally destroyed by fire, while oc¬
cupied by the French troops, immediately after the surrender of Cornwallis, at York-
town. It was seventy-four feet long and sixty-eight feet wide, and occupied the site
of the old palace of Governor Spottswood, at the beginning of the eighteenth cen¬
tury. Attached to the palace were three hundred and. sixty acres of land, beautifully
laid out in gardens, parks, carriage-ways, and a bowling-green.

§ Annapolis, on the Chesapeake, at the mouth of the Severn, became the seat of
the government of Maryland in the year 1694, when all the records and offices were
moved there from St. Marys, the first capital. There, as at Williamsburg, was
found the most polished society ; and of so much importance were these two places

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

155

to be found in the larger cities of Europe, with far less of
their corruptions and debaucheries. It was the custom
for gentlemen of fortune to have their town houses du¬
ring the sessions of the legislature, where they lived in
great splendor and hospitality. Colonel Washington was
of this number. His personal attractions, not less than
his early renown in arms, made him a subject of much
interest to the Europeans, who were frequent visiters to
the capitals of Yirginia and Maryland. Straight as an
Indian arrow, he was easily distinguished in the gay
crowds which appeared at the palaces of the vice-kings,
by a something in his air and manner which bespoke no
ordinary man. His lower limbs, being formed mathe¬
matically straight, he walked, as it were, on parallel
lines, while his mode of placing and taking up his feet
resembled the step of precision and care so remarkable
in the aboriginal children of the forest. He might be
termed rather a silent than a speaking member of the
house of burgesses, although he sometimes addressed the
chair, and was listened to with attention and respect,
while the excellence of his judgment was put in requisi¬
tion on all committees, either of important general or
local policy.*

considered, in point of social character, that the first theatrical performances ever
given in America, by a regular company, were at those two places. The toleration
extended to such amusements by the Anglican church, then the established church in
Virginia and Maryland, may have had some influence in causing Hallam and his
company first to try their fortunes there. It was in 1752 and 1753 that the perform¬
ances were first presented in those two cities ; and it is on record, that Washington,
who was very fond of dramatic entertainments, attended them at both places.

* So in the continental Congress, of which Washington was a member in 1774
and 1775. He had no ability for an extemporary speaker, and did not there engage
in the public debates. He was an excellent counsellor, and was assiduous in his at¬
tendance at Carpenter’s hall whenever the Congress was in session. Patrick Henry,
when asked, on his return home from the Congress, whom he considered the greatest

156

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

When Colonel Washington first resided at Mount Ver¬
non, both the mansion-house and estate were inconsider¬
able. All the embellishments of the house and grounds
are owing to his creative hand. Prior to the War for In¬
dependence, he was much attached to the pleasures of
the chase, and is described as a bold and fearless rider.
He kept hounds for a short time after the Revolution, but
declined hunting altogether about 1787 or ’88.

He was never disposed to conviviality, but liked the
cheerful converse of the social board. He indulged in
no games of chance, except in the olden times, when re¬
quired to make up a party at whist, in playing for a
trifle ; although, for many years, play of all kinds was
unknown in his household.* After his retirement from
public life, all the time which he could spare from his
library, was devoted to the improvement of his estates,
and the elegant and tasteful arrangement of his house
and grounds. He was his own surveyor, f and the dis-

man in that body, replied : “ If you speak of eloquence, Mr. Rutledge, of South Caro¬
lina, is by far the greatest orator ; but if you speak of solid information and sound
judgment, Colonel Washington is unquestionably the greatest man on that floor.”

* Daring his younger married life, Washington indulged in all lawful amuse¬
ments. His home was a gay one, and almost every day he had company at dinner.
“ Would any person believe,” he says in his diary, in 1768, “ that, with a hundred and
one cows actually reported at a late enumeration of the cattle, I should still be
obliged to buy butter for my family ?” The hunting days, which occurred fre¬
quently, generally ended in a dinner at Belvoir, the seat of the Fairfaxes, a little
lower on the Rotomac, or at Mount Vernon — more frequently at the latter. The
company usually staid all night, and bad weather might keep them there. Wash¬
ington was indifferent to games, but on such occasions he resorted to them to
amuse his guests. On one of these, he records in his diary : “ At home all day at
cards ; it snowing.”

t A facsimile of the record of one of the latest of his surveys, is presented in this
work. Surveying was Washington’s earliest occupation for gain, he having been
employed in that business by Lord Fairfax, who owned immense tracts of land in
the valleys beyond the Blue Ridge. Washington set out on his first surveying
expedition, on account of Lord Fairfax, in March, 1748, just one month from the

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

157

position and appearance of his farms, gave evident proofs
that the genius of useful improvement had directed its
energies with beneficial, as well as ornamental effects.

As a master of slaves, General Washington was con¬
sistent, as in every other relation of his meritorious life.
They were comfortably lodged, fed, and clothed • required
to do a full and fair share of duty • well cared for in sick¬
ness and old age, and kept in strict and proper discipline.
These, we humbly conceive, comprise all the charities of
slavery. To his old servants, where long and faithful
services rendered them worthy of attachment and esteem,
he was most kind. His huntsman and Revolutionary at¬
tendant, Will Lee, commonly called Billy, was specially
provided for, and survived his master a good many years.
Will had been a stout active man, and a famous horse¬
man, but, from accident, was a cripple for many years
before his death, which occurred at a very advanced age*
This ancient follower, both in the chase and war, formed
a most interesting relic of the chief, and received con¬
siderable largesses from the numerous visiters to Mount
Vernon. The slaves were left to be emancipated at the

day on which he was sixteen years of age. I have before me his original drawings
of the plan for laying out the grounds around the Mount Vernon mansion, made
after his return from the army and retirement to private life, in 1784. A particular
account of these may be found in a volume entitled, “ Mount Vernon, and its Asso-
ciations,>> published in 1859, by W. A. Townsend & Company, New York.

* I visited Mount Vernon in October, 1858, where I saw an old mulatto, named
Westford, who had been a resident there since August, 1801. He was raised in the
family of Judge Bushrod Washington, who came into possession of Mount Vernon,
by inheritance, after the death of Mrs. Washington. Westford knew Billy well. His
master having left him a house, and a pension of one hundred and fifty dollars a year,
Billy became a spoiled child of fortune. He was quite intemperate at times, and
finally delirium tremens , with all its horrors, seized him. Westford frequently re¬
lieved him on such occasions, by bleeding him. One morning, a little more than
thirty years ago, Westford was sent for to bring Billy out of a fit. The blood would
not flow. Billy was dead !

158

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

death of Mrs. Washington; but it was found necessary
(for prudential reasons) to give them their freedom in one
year after the general’s decease. Although many of
them, with a view to their liberation, had been instructed
in mechanic trades, yet they succeeded very badly as free¬
men : so true is the axiom, “ that the hour which makes
man a slave, takes half his worth away.”

Bishop, an English soldier, formed an interesting re¬
miniscence of the war of ’55. He belonged to Brad-
dock’s own regiment ; and, on account of possessing su¬
perior intelligence, was detailed as a body-servant, to
accompany that ill-fated commander on the expedition
to Fort du Quesne * Bishop firmly believed in the
Providence which shielded the provincial colonel, in the
memorable battle of Monongahela, and observed, he was
the only mounted officer left. The enemy knew him
well, from their having felt him severely, the year be-

* On account of boundary disputes, at about the middle of the last century, the
French and English in America, engaged in a war, and finally hostilities between
the two nations were officially declared. The war commenced in the Ohio region.
Englishmen attempted to build a fort at the forks of the Ohio, upon territory claimed
by the French. The latter, aided by Indians, drove the English off, finished the
fort, and named it Du Quesne, in honor of the governor-general of Canada. Against
this fort General Braddock, an Irish officer of considerable military renown, led an
expedition in the year 1755. After much toil and difficulty he reached the Monon¬
gahela early in the month of July. Washington, with the rank of colonel, accom¬
panied him as aid. On the ninth, they suddenly fell into an Indian ambush, and a
terrible encounter ensued between French and Indians on one side, and English
and provincial soldiers on the other. Washington urged Braddock to fight, as the
Indians did, or rather, as the provincials were accustomed to, but that general
would not swerve from the rules of European tactics. The consequence was, a ter¬
rible slaughter of his troops, and a defeat. Braddock himself was mortally wounded,
and the remnant of his army was saved by the skill and gallant conduct of Colonel
Washington. He was the only mounted officer who, on that day, was not wounded.
He had two horses shot under him, and four bullets passed through his coat. “By
the all-powerful dispensations of Providence,” he wrote to his brother, “ I have been
protected beyond all human probability or expectation.”

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

159

fore at the affair of the Meadows;* and the provincial
military being far more obnoxious to the French and
Indians than the European troops, from the marksman¬
ship of the rangers, and their intimate knowledge of the
modes of forest warfare, the fire of the enemy became
particularly directed against the devoted young warrior,
whom they afterward termed “ the spirit-protected man,”
destined to “become the chief of nations,” and who
“ could not die in battle.” The hat worn on that event¬
ful day, and which was pierced by two balls, was at
Mount Vernon, and both seen and handled by several
persons, long within our remembrance ; yet, strange to
say, it was no where to be found on the demise of the
chief. Another and invaluable relict was also missing ;
we mean the sword of service which was worn in action
in the War for Independence. It was described to us, by
one who had often buckled it to the hero’s side, as being
a kind of hanger ; and we have an indistinct recollection
of having been told in the family, that it was given to
General Greene at the close of the war. If so, it surely
could not have been more worthily bestowed. Upon
mentioning these circumstances to General Andrew
Jackson, he was pleased to say that he would make
inquiry among the descendants of Greene, who, if they

* When, by order of Governor Dinwiddie, Major Washington, in 1754, was
marching toward the forks of the Ohio, he was informed that the French had driven
the English away, and that a strong force of French and Indians were on their march
to attack him. He prudently wheeled, marched back to a place called the Great
Meadows, and there hastily erected a stockade, and called it Fort Necessity. Again,
on the death of the leader of the expedition, when the whole command devolved on
Major Washington, he advanced with four hundred men. He was soon advised of
the approach of a much larger number of the enemy, and he fell back to Fort Neces¬
sity at the Great Meadows. There, on the third of July, he was besieged by about
fifteen hundred foes, and on the morning of the fourth surrendered. It was upon hon¬
orable terms ; and Washington and his troops were allowed to return to Virginia.

160

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

possess, will, no doubt, most dearly prize so valued a gift
as the Sword of the Revolution *

* This was written in February, 1827. That sword, with Franklin’s staff, is pre¬
served in a glass case, with other personal mementoes of Washington, in the model-
hall of the patent-office at Washington city. The handle is of ivory, colored a pale
green, and wound spirally at wide intervals with silver wire. .It was manufactured
by J. Bailey, Fishkill, Duchess county, New York, and has the maker’s name en¬
graven upon the hilt. The belt is of white leather, silver mounted, and was in the
old French and Indian war. It bears a silver plate, on which is engraved, “ 1757.”

The long black staff grouped with the sword, was bequeathed to Washington by
Doctor Franklin, in the following clause of the codicil to his will : —

“My fine crab-tree walking-stick, with a gold head curiously wrought in the form
of the cap of liberty, I give to my friend, and the friend of mankind, General Wash¬
ington. If it were a sceptre, he has merited it, and would become it. It was a
present to me from that excellent woman, Madame De Forbach, the dowager-duchess
of Deux-Ponts, connected with some verses which should go with it.”

Of these relics, our lyric poet, George P. Morris, has sweetly sung in the fol¬
lowing ode, called “ The Sword and the Staff."

“ The sword of the Hero !

The staff of the Sage!

Whose valor and wisdom
Are stamped on the age !

Time-hallowed mementoes
Of those who have riven
The sceptre from tyrants,

‘ The lightning from heaven.

“ This weapon, O Freedom !

Was drawn by thy son,

And it never was sheathed
Till the battle was won !

No stain of dishonor
Upon it we see !

’Twas never surrendered —

Except to the free !

“While Fame claims the hero
And patriot sage,

Their names to emblazon
On History’s page,

No holier relics
Will Liberty hoard,

Than Franklin’s staff, guarded
By Washington's sword.”

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

161

At the commencement of hostilities, in 1775, Bishop
being too old for active service, was left at home in
charge of the manufacturing establishments of the house¬
hold, wherein the veteran would flourish his cane, ex¬
acting as perfect obedience as though he had been a
commanding officer on parade. A comfortable house
had been built for him ; he had married • and, looking no
more toward his native land, he was contented to pass
the remainder of his days on the domain of his patron,
where he rested from labor, in the enjoyment of every
possible ease and indulgence — the reward of his long
and faithful services. In his comfortable homestead, and
hoary with age, he would delight the young with tales
of fearful interest of the Indian war ; while, his own
conflicts ended, and himself at peace with all the world,
he feebly trimmed the lamp of life, which, having burned
for more than eighty years, could but for a little while
longer be kept from expiring.

Notwithstanding his perfect reverence for his patron,
this old soldier would sometimes, presuming on the privi¬
lege of age and long services, chafe his protector on
points of expediency, though never on those of obedience.
The general would assume a lofty tone, saying, “It is
very well, sir ; if you are at length tired of my service,
you are at perfect liberty to depart.” The ancient fol¬
lower of Braddock, however, knew his man, and knew
exactly what best to do ; so he would wisely become
silent, and the storm which appeared to be brooding
would quickly pass away, then returning sunshine, cheer¬
ed with the warmth of its kindness the veteran of ’55*

* See note on page 158. Braddock had five horses shot under him before re¬
ceiving his mortal wound. Bishop was in close attendance upon his master all

162

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The Washington family were subject to hereditary
gout. The chief never experienced a pang. His tem¬
perance, and the energetic employment of both his body
and mind, seemed to forbid the approach of a disease,
which severely afflicted several of his nearest kindred.
His illnesses were of rare occurrence, but were particu¬
larly severe. His aversion to the use of medicine was
extreme ; and, even when in great suffering, it was
only by the entreaties of his lady, and the respectful, yet
beseeching look of his oldest friend and companion in
arms (Doctor James Craik), that he could be prevailed
upon to take the slightest preparation of medicine.*
General Washington, during the whole of both his
public and private life, was a very early riser ; indeed,

the while, and assisted in carrying the wounded general from the field. He was con¬
veyed, first in a tumbrel, then on horseback, and finally by his soldiers on a litter,
in the flight toward Fort Cumberland. He was attended by Dr. James Craik, the
life-long friend of Washington, and also by Colonel Washington himself. Braddock
died on the night of the fifteenth. Just before his death, he commended Bishop, who
had served him faithfully, to the protection of Colonel Washington, who, two hours-
afterward, read the impressive funeral service of the Anglican church over his grave,
by the light of torches. It was a little past midnight when they laid their com¬
mander in a grave, dug in the middle of the road, to prevent his body being dis¬
covered and treated with indignity by the Indians.

* Colonel Washington’s health suffered much during the campaigns of 1757 and
1758. Late in the autumn of 1757, he was compelled to leave his command and go
home, severely suffering from dysentery. His malady, which had been wearing
upon him for some time, increased, and Doctor Craik warned him that his life
was in danger. He went home to Mount Vernon, where his disease settled into a
fever, from which he did not recover in less than four months. He endeavored to
go to Williamsburg on urgent business, in February following, but could not; and
toward the close of that month he wrote to Colonel Stanwix, saying, “ I have never
been able to return to my command, since I wrote to you last, my disorder, at times,
returning obstinately upon me, in spite of the efforts of all the sons of iEsculapius,
whom I have hitherto consulted. At certain periods I have been reduced to great
extremity, and have now too much reason to apprehend my approaching decay
[consumption], being visited with several symptoms of such disease.” He was then
twenty-six years of age. As we shall hereafter observe, he was very dangerously
ill while president of the republic.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

163

in the maternal mansion, at which his first habits
were formed, the character of a sluggard was abhorred.
Whether as chief magistrate, or the retired citizen, we
find this man of method and labor seated in his library
from one to two hours before day, in winter, and at day¬
break in summer. We wonder at the amazing amount
of work which he performed. Nothing but a method the
most remarkable and exemplary, could have enabled him
to accomplish such a world of labor, an amount which
might have given pretty full employment to half a dozen
ordinary, and not idle men, all their lives. When we
consider the volume of his official papers — his vast
foreign, public, and private correspondence — we are
scarcely able to believe that the space of one man’s life
should have comprehended the doing of so many things,
and doing them so well.

His toilette was soon made. A single servant pre¬
pared his clothes, and laid them in readiness. He also
combed and tied his hair.* He shaved and dressed him¬
self, but giving very little of his precious time to matters
of that sort, though remarkable for the neatness and pro¬
priety of his apparel. His clothes were made after the
old-fashioned cut, of the best, though plainest materials.^

* In those days the hair was left to grow long, and was tied up in a long bunch
with a ribbon, behind, in a form called a queue. It was the universal fashion. Powder
was also used for the hair, which gave it a frosted appearance. This was put on
with a puff-ball, usually made of cotton yarn, which, with the powder, was carried in
a dressed buckskin pouch.

t It was the practice in Virginia, previous to the Revolution, for the planters to
send to London for all articles in common use, that could not be manufactured as
well at home, such as agricultural implements, saddles, bridles, harness, and wearing
apparel. Washington was in the habit of sending to his agent in London lists of ar¬
ticles that he desired for himself and family. He gave the names, ages, sizes, and
general description of those for whom wearing apparel was needed. In an order
sent to Richard Washington, in 1761, he says, after referring to an invoice of clothes

164

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

When president of the United States, the style of his
household and equipage corresponded with the dignity
of his exalted station, though avoiding as much as was pos¬
sible everything like show or parade. The expenses of
his presidency, over and above the salary of government,
absorbed the proceeds of the sale of a very considerable
estate*

already sent: “As they are designed for wearing apparel for myself, I have com¬
mitted the choice of them to your fancy, having the best opinion of your taste. I
want neither lace nor embroidery. Plain clothes, with gold, or silver buttons, if worn
in genteel dress, are all that I desire. Whether it be the fault of the tailor or of the
measure sent, I can not say, but, certain it is, my clothes have never fitted me well.
I enclose a measure, and, for a further direction, I think it not amiss to add, that my
stature is six feet; otherwise rather slender than corpulent.” He was six feet two
inches in height, according to the best authorities.

Although Washington and his family were plain in their persons, they lived at
home, and appeared abroad, not unlike the English aristocracy at that time. When
abroad, he always appeared on horseback, with fine equipments, accompanied by
Bishop. His stable was well furnished with thoroughbred horses; and for Mrs.
Washington and her lady-visiters, he kept a chariot and four horses, with black pos¬
tillions in livery, and these frequently excited the admiration of travellers and dwellers
upon the road from Mount Vernon to Alexandria, or to the neighboring estates.

The following order, sent to his London agent for out-of-door equipage, will give
an idea of the appearance of Washington when on the road : —

“ 1 Man’s riding saddle, hogskin seat, large plated stirrups, and everything com¬
plete. Double-reined bridle and Pelham bit, plated.

“ A very neat and fashionable Newmarket saddle-cloth.

“ A large and best portmanteau, saddle, bridle, and pillion.

“ Cloak-bag ; surcingle ; checked saddle-cloth, holsters, &c.

“A riding-frock of a handsome drab-colored broadcloth, with plain double-gilt
buttons.

“ A riding waistcoat of superfine scarlet cloth and gold lace, with buttons like
those of the coat.

“ A blue surtout-coat.

“ A neat switch-whip, silver cap.

“ Black velvet cap for servant.”

The ladies in those days rode much on horseback (usually upon ponies), followed
by black servants. The gayest of them wore scarlet cloth riding-habits.

* The salary of the president was then, as now, twenty-five thousand dollars per
annum. The sale of that “ considerable estate,” which was chiefly wild land, is al¬
luded to in Washington’s letter to Lawrence Lewis, printed in the Memoir of the
author of these Recollections , ante, page 47.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

165

The president never appeared in military costume,
unless to receive his brethren of the Cincinnati, or at re¬
views * He then wore the old opposition colors of Eng¬
land, and the regimental dress of the volunteer corps
which he commanded prior to the Kevolution.f With
the exception of the brilliant epaulettes (we believe a
present from General Lafayette), and the diamond order
of the Cincinnati, presented by the seamen of the French
fleet, our allies in the War for Independence,} the uni¬
form of the commander-in-chief of the army and navy,
under the Constitution, was as plain as blue and buff
could make it. The cocked hat, with the black ribbon
cockade, was the only type of the heroic time which ap¬
pended to the chief during his civil magistracy; in all
other respects, he seemed studiously to merge the mili¬
tary into the civil characteristics of his public life.

About sunrise, General Washington invariably visited
and inspected his stables. He was very fond of horses,

* A full account of the Society of the Cincinnati, of which Washington was the first
president-general, may be found in another part of this work.

t When the sessions of the first continental Congress closed, the whole country,
alive to the apprehension that war would soon be kindled, was filled with military
preparations. When Washington returned to Mount Vernon, he found the inde¬
pendent companies throughout the province waiting for the voice of his experience,
to teach them how to prepare for the conflict. He coveted the sweets of rural and
domestic life, but duty bade him relinquish all for the good of his country. A few
days after his arrival home, the Independent Company of Cadets of Prince William
county, a well-equipped corps, whose motto was Aut liber aut nullus, solicited him
to take command of them, as a field-officer. They had appointed a committee to
wait on him with the invitation, and to request him to “ direct the fashion of their
uniform, and that they also acquaint him with the motto of their company, which is
to be fixed on their colors.” Other companies offered him the same honor. He
yielded, and reviewed the volunteer corps, which assembled at various places, always
wearing, on such occasions, the costume of a Virginia colonel of the period. It
was in that costume that the elder Peale painted him, in the picture now at Arling¬
ton house, a copy of which is given in this volume.

X See chapter containing an account of the “ Surrender of Yorktown.”

166

RECOLLECTIONS OE WASHINGTON.

and his equipages were always of a superior order. The
horses which he rode, in the War for Independence, were
said to be superb. We have a perfect remembrance of
the charger which bore him in the greatest of his tri¬
umphs, when he received the sword of the vanquished,
on the ever-memorable nineteenth October, 1781* It
was a chestnut, with a white face and legs, and was called
Nelson , after the patriotic governor of Virginia.-}- Far
different was the fate of this favorite horse of Washing¬
ton, from that of “ the high-mettled racer.” When the
chief had relinquished his seat upon its back, after the
war was over, it was never mounted more, but cropped
the herbage in summer, was housed and well cared for in
winter, often caressed by the master’s hand, and died of
old age at Mount Vernon, many years after the Revolu¬
tion.

The library and a visit to the stables occupied the
morning till the hour of breakfast. This meal was with
out change to him, whose habits were regular, even to
matters which others are so apt to indulge themselves
in • to endless variety. Indian cakes, honey, and tea,
formed this temperate repast. J On rising from the table,

* See chapter on the “ Surrender of Yorktown.”

f See a sketch of the life and services of this gentleman in a future chapter.

X This abstemiousness appears to have been a marked exception to a general rule.
The Reverend Andrew Burnaby, who travelled quite extensively in America, in the
years 1759 and 1760, and visited Mount Vernon two or three times during the first
year of Washington’s married life, says in a note, “In several parts of Virginia, the
ancient custom of eating meat at breakfast still continues. At the top of the table,
where the lady of the house presides, there is constantly tea and coffee ; but the rest
of the table is garnished out with roast fowls, ham, venison, game, and other dainties.
Even at Williamsburg, it is the custom to have a plate of cold ham upon the table ;
and there is scarcely a Virginian lady who breakfasts without it.”

Speaking of Mount Vernon, Mr. Burnaby says : “ This place is the property of
Colonel Washington, and truly deserving of its owner. The house is most beauti

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

167

If there were guests (and it was seldom otherwise), books
and papers were offered for their amusement ; they were
requested to take good care of themselves, and the illus¬
trious farmer proceeded to the daily tour of his agri¬
cultural concerns.* He rode upon his farms entirely
unattended, opening his gates, pulling down and putting
up his fences, as he passed, visiting his laborers at their
work, inspecting all the operations of his extensive agri¬
cultural establishments with a careful eye, directing use¬
ful improvements, and superintending them in their prog¬
ress. He introduced many and valuable foreign as well
as domestic modes of improved husbandry, showing, by
experiment, their practical utility, and peculiar adapta¬
tion to our system of rural affairs • and, by his zeal and
ability, “gave a speed to the plough,” and a generous
impulse to the cause of agricultural and domestic econo¬
my — those important sources of national wealth, indus¬
try, and independence.^

fully situated upon a very high hill on the banks of the Potomac, and commands a
noble prospect of water, of cliffs, of woods, and plantations. The river is near two
miles broad, though two hundred from the mouth, and divides the dominions of Vir¬
ginia from Maryland.”

* Never was hospitality dispensed with a more generous and kindly spirit. The
translator of De Chastellux’s travels in North America, at the close of the Revo¬
lution, writing of the mistress of that mansion, says : “ Your apartments were your
house ; the servants of the house were yours ; and, while every inducement was held
out to bring you into the general society of the drawing-room, or at the table, it
rested with yourself to be served or not with everything in your own chamber.”

t Washington raised large quantities of tobacco, wheat, and Indian corn; and he
aimed to have everything upon his estates of the best quality. So noted for excel¬
lence was everything bearing his brand, that a barrel of flour stamped “ George Wash¬
ington, Mount Vernon,” was exempted from the customary inspection in the West
India ports. In his Diary, under date of twenty-second January, 1790, while he was
president of the United States, and residing in New York, is the following entry :
“ Called in my ride on the Baron de Poellnitz, to see the operation of his (Winlaw’s)
thrashing-machine. The effect was, the heads of the wheat being separated from
the straw, as much of the first was run through the mill in 15 minutes as made half

168

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The tour of the farms might average from ten to
fifteen miles per day. An anecdote occurs to us at this
moment, which, as it embraces a Revolutionary worthy, a
long-tried and valued friend of the chief, and is descrip¬
tive of Washington on his farm , we shall, without apology,
present it to our readers.

We were accosted, while hunting, by an elderly stran¬
ger, who inquired whether the general was to be found
at the mansion house, or whether he had gone to visit
his estate. We replied, that he was abroad, and gave
directions as to the route the stranger was to pursue, ob¬
serving, at the same time, “ You will meet, sir, with an
old gentleman riding alone , in plain drab clothes , a broad-brimmed
white hat , a hickory sivitch in his hand , and carrying an um¬
brella with a long staff \ which is attached to his saddle-bow — that
person , sir , is General Washington /” The stranger, much
amused at our description, observed, with a good hu¬
mored smile : —

a bushel of clean wheat. Allowing 8 working hours in the 24, this would yield 16
bushels per day. Two boys are sufficient to turn the wheel, feed the mill, and re¬
move the thrashed grain after it has passed through it. Two men were unable, by
winnowing, to clear the wrheat as it passed through the mill, but a common Dutch
fan, with the usual attendance, would be more than sufficient to do it. The grain
passes through without bruising, and is well separated from the chaff. Women,
or boys of 12 or 14 years of age, are fully adequate to the management of the mill
or thrashing-machine. Upon the whole, it appears to be an easier, more expedi¬
tious, and much cleaner way of getting out grain than by the usual mode of thrashing ;
and vastly to be preferred to treading, which is hurtful to horses, filthy to the wheat,
and not more expeditious, considering the numbers that are employed in the process
from the time the head is begun to be formed until the grain has passed finally
through the fan.”

In December previous, Washington, in a letter to the Baron de Poellnitz (who was
the inventor of several agricultural machines, and had a small farm on York island, in
the vicinity of Murray hill), had proposed to take some occasion of “ seeing the man¬
ner in which the thrashing-machine operated.” This was the occasion noted in his
Diary. From some intimations elsewhere, it is quite certain that he sent one of
these machines to his general overseer at Mount Vernon.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

169

“ Thank ye, thank ye, young gentleman • I think, if I
fall in with the general, I shall be apt to know him.”

At dinner, we had the pleasure of being introduced to
Colonel Meade,* who had been aid-de-camp to the com¬
mander-in-chief in the war of the Revolution. The um¬
brella was not used by Washington as an article of
luxury, for luxuries were to him known only by name.
Being naturally of a very fair complexion, his skin was
liable to be affected by the influence of the sun. This
umbrella, just as it was when last he laid it down, never
again to require its friendly shade, we have had the good
fortune to preserve for a quarter of a century, f and also
the happiness to present it the patriarch of La Grange,
in whose possession it will long be treasured as the rel-
ique of his paternal chief, and as an appropriate memo¬
rial of the modern Cincinnatus.J

Precisely at a quarter before three, the industrious
farmer always returned, dressed, and dined at three
o’clock. At this meal he ate heartily, but was not par¬
ticular in his diet, with the exception of fish, of which
he was excessively fond. He partook sparingly of
desert, drank a home-made beverage, and from four to
five glasses of Madeira wine. When the cloth was
removed, with old-fashioned courtesy, he drank to the
health of every person present, and then gave his toast,
his only toast — 66 All our friends ” — than which a nobler
or a kindlier sentiment never was pledged at the board
of social friendship, or “ brayed out with the trumpet’s
triumphs,” at the carousals of a king.

* Colonel Richard K. Meade, father of Bishop Meade, of Virginia.

t This written on the twenty-second of February, 1827.

t Mr. Custis presented the umbrella to General Lafayette when he was in this
country as the nation’s guest, in the years 1824 and ’25.

170

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

While on the subject of toasts, we will mention an¬
other. The late Colonel Cropper, of Accomac, was a
captain in the ninth Virginia regiment of the line, which
formed part of the southern division, under Greene, and
covered the retreat of our discomfitted army at the battle
of Brandywine. On the evening of that hard-fought
day, Cropper marched the remains of his company into
Chester, having his handkerchief fastened to a ramrod,
in place of a flag.* After serving his country with fidelity
and distinction, Colonel Cropper retired to his estate on
the Eastern shore, where he lived to an advanced age.
This worthy veteran, like his general, had but one toast,
which he gave every day, and to all companies ; it was,
“ God bless General Washington.” Toasts are supposed
to convey the feelings and wishes of our hearts ; and if
ever an aspiration, warm and direct from the heart, de¬
served to find favor with “ heaven’s chancery ” on high,
it was when, with pious fervor, this old soldier’s prayer
implored a blessing upon his revered commander.

The afternoon was usually devoted to the library. At

* A British army, under General Sir William Howe, landed from a British fleet
commanded by his brother, Richard Earl Howe, a few miles below Elkton, on the
shores of Chesapeake bay, toward the close of August, 1777. Washington, with the
American army, marched southward from Philadelphia to oppose Howe’s progress into
the country, and advanced some distance beyond the Brandj^wine creek. When the
British approached, he was compelled to fall back to the eastern side of that stream,
and near Chad’s ford, he made a disposition of his forces to oppose the passage of the
enemy. Philadelphia was the prize for which Howe was pressing, and Washington
resolved to do all in his power to keep it out of his hands. By a stealthy move¬
ment, Cornwallis, under cover of a fog, marched up the west side of the Brandy¬
wine with a large force, crossed, and fell suddenly upon the right wing of the Amer¬
ican army, under General Sullivan. A severe contest ensued. Soon afterward,
Knyphausen, the Hessian general, crossed Chad’s ford and attacked the American
centre, and after a hot battle, the republicans were driven from the field, and fled to
Chester that night. The next morning they continued their retreat toward Phila¬
delphia, and encamped near Germantown, where, soon afterward, a severe engage¬
ment occurred, whph is described in another chapter.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

171

night, his labors over, the venerated citizen would join
his family and friends at the tea-table, and enjoy their
society for several hours. He took no supper, and about
nine o’clock retired to bed. When without company, he
frequently read to his family extracts from the new pub¬
lications of the day ; and, on Sunday, sermons and other
sacred writings.* He read with distinctness and preci¬
sion, though with a voice, the tones of which had been
considerably broken by a pulmonary affection in early
life, and which, when greatly excited, produced a labor¬
ing of the chest. He would frequently, when sitting
with his family, appear absent ; his lips would move, his
hand be raised, and he would evidently seem under the
influence of thoughts, which had nothing to do with the
quiet scene around him. This, peculiarity is readily
accounted for, since it must be no very easy matter for
one who so long had borne the cares of public life, at
once to lay aside all thoughts fcr others, and become
content with individual concerns.

In winter, when stress of weather prevented his taking
his usual exercise, he was in the habit of walking for an
hour in the eastern portico of the mansion, before retir¬
ing to rest. As that portico is more than ninety feet in
length, this walk would comprise several miles.f

* In the library at Mount Vernon, there are several volumes of sermons, and
other religious books, written by old English divines. In one of these, written by
Sir Matthew Hale, are the autographs of the two wives of Washington’s father,
Jane Washington and Mary Washington — the latter (the mother of the general)
written under the former.

t In a letter to Mr. Rumney (a gentleman about to depart for England), in
which Washington desires him to make some inquiries there about certain kinds of
marble, with which he wrould like to pave the floor of the portico, he says : “ The
piazza, or colonade, for which this is wanted as a floor, is ninety-two feet eight
inches, by twelve feet eight inches, within the margin or border that surrounds it.”

172

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Thus, in the seldom-varied routine of useful industry,
temperate enjoyment, and the heartfelt gratifications of
domestic felicity, sped the latter days of the Father of
his Country ; and oh ! it was delightful to behold this
“ time-honored man,” the race of whose glory was run, who
had reached the goal of all his most earnest desires, and
obtained a reward for all his toils, in the contemplation of
the freedom and happiness of a rising empire, resting
from his mighty labors, amid the tranquil retirement of
Mount Vernon.

The sedentary occupations of a president of the United
States necessarily limited the opportunities for active
exercise. These were principally enjoyed in occasional
rides to the country, and in frequent walks to his watch¬
maker’s, in Second street, for the purpose of regulating
his watch by the time-keeper.* As he passed along,
often would mothers bring their children to look on the
paternal chief, yet not a word was heard of president of
the United States : the little innocents were alone “ taught
to lisp the name of Washington.” He was rather par¬
tial to children ; their infantine playfulness appeared to
please him, and many are the parents who at this day
rejoice that his patriarchal hands have touched their off
spring.*)*

* This was while he resided in Philadelphia.

t Thousands of children have since borne the name, given them at baptism, of
George Washington. In the Londonderry (Ireland) Journal , February 30, J 783, is
the following item : “Whereas, on February 14, 1783, it pleased kind Providence to
confer on Mathew Neely, of Burnally, parish of Tamlaghtsinlagan, and county of
Londonderry, a man-child, whose appearance is promising and amiable, and hopes
the Being who first caused him to exist will grant him grace.

“ Also, in consideration and in remembrance of the many heroic deeds done by
that universally-renowned patriot, General Washington, the said Mathew Neely hath
done himself the honor of calling the said man-child by the name of George Wash¬
ington Neely, he being the first child known, or so called, in this kingdom, by the

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

173

General Washington was always a strict and decorous
observer of the sabbath. He invariably attended divine
service once a day, when within reach of a place of wor¬
ship/1' His respect for the clergy, as a body, was shown
by public entertainments to them, the same as to the
corps legislative and diplomatic ; and among his bosom
friends were the present venerable bishop of Pennsylva¬
nia, f and the late excellent prelate and ardent friend of
American liberty, Doctor Carroll, archbishop of Balti-
more.J

name of Washington, that brilliant western star.” See Massachusetts Magazine ,
i., 62, January, 1789. It would be very difficult to ascertain who was the first per¬
son so named in this country.

* Washington was a member, in full communion, of the Protestant Episcopal
church, and was for many years before and after the Revolution, a vestryman in
Truro parish, whose church (Pohick) built under his supervision, is yet standing. I
have before me the original drawing of the ground-plan and elevation of that church,
made by Washington himself. He was also a vestryman previous to the Revolution,
in Fairfax parish, whose church, wherein he frequently worshipped, is yet standing,
in the city of Alexandria. While president of the United States, and residing in
New York, he attended Saint Paul’s church ; in Philadelphia, Christ church. He
seldom went to the sanctuary in the afternoon, according to his own diary.

t Right Reverend William White, D. D., the first American bishop in the Prot¬
estant Episcopal church. He was a son of a Philadelphia lawyer, and was born in
that city, on the fourth of April, 1748. The preaching of Whitefield greatly deep¬
ened his habitual and religious feelings, and on graduating at the college in Phila¬
delphia, at the age of fifteen years, he commenced the study of theology. He was
ordained a deacon in London in 1770, and before he returned, in 1772, he received
priest’s orders. He was first an assistant minister of Christ church, Philadelphia ;
and he was a faithful pastor in that parish for sixty-four years. He was chaplain to
the continental Congress a short time in 1777 ; and in 1787 he and Doctor Provoost,
of New York, were consecrated bishops. He was chiefly instrumental in framing
the constitution of the church in America, and compiled its liturgy and canons.
Among his last official labors was the preparation of instructions for missionaries
going to China. That was in 1835, when he was eighty-eight years of age. He
preached his last sermon in June, 1836, and on the seventeenth of the following
month he expired, when little more than eighty-nine years old.

J Right Reverend John Carroll, D.D., the first bishop of the Roman Catholic
church in the United States. He was born at Upper Marlborough, Maryland, on
the eighth of January, 1735. At the age of thirteen years he was sent to the college of
St. Omer, in French Flanders, where he remained until he was transferred to the Jes-

174

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

On Sunday no visiters were admitted to the president’s
house, save the immediate relatives of the family, with
only one exception : Mr. Speaker Trumbull, since gover¬
nor of Connecticut, and who had been confidential secre¬
tary to the chief in the War of the Revolution, was in the
habit of spending an hour with the president, on Sunday
evenings * Trumbull practised the lesson of punctuality,
which he learned in the service of the olden time, with
such accuracy, that the porter, by consulting his clock,
could tell when to stand ready to open to the Speaker's
Bell \ as it was called in the family, from the circumstance
of no hand, other than the speaker’s, touching the bell
on the evenings of the sabbath.

uits’ college at Liege, six years afterward. He was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1769,
became a teacher in the college of Liege, and in 1773, when the Jesuits were expelled
from France, he was obliged to abandon a professorship at Bruges, to which he had
lately been appointed, and retire to England. He travelled much, and returned to
his native country in 1775. He accompanied a committee of the continental Con¬
gress, on a political mission to Canada in the spring of the following year, and
throughout the War for Independence, he was attached to the patriot cause. In
1786 he was appointed vicar-general of the Roman Catholic church in America.
In 1790 he was consecrated a bishop, and the following year founded the college at
Georgetown. On the invitation of Congress, he delivered a eulogy on Washington,
in St. Peter’s church, Baltimore, on the twenty-second of February, 1800. In 1808,
Doctor Carroll was made archbishop, with four suffragan bishops. With every addi¬
tional duty, his zeal for his Zion seemed to increase, and he labored faithfully until
his death, which occurred at Baltimore, on the third of December, 1815, when he
was eighty years of age.

* Jonathan Trumbull, son of the patriotic governor of Connecticut, of the same
name. He was born at Lebanon, in March 1740, and graduated at Harvard col¬
lege in 1759. From 1775 to the close of the campaign in 1778, he was paymaster
to the army in the northern department. In 1780, he was appointed secretary and
aid to General Washington, and in that situation he remained until the end of the
war, in the enjoyment of the perfect confidence of the commander-in-chief. He
was chosen a representative in the first Congress under the federal constitution,
and in 1791 became speaker of the house of representatives. He was elevated to
the senate in 1794, and in 1798 succeeded Oliver Wolcott as governor of his native
state. He remained in office until his death, a period of eleven years. He died at
Lebanon, on the seventh of August, 1809, at the age of sixty-nine years.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

175

The remarkable degree of admiration and awe that
was felt by every one, upon the first approach to Wash¬
ington, evidences the imposing power and sublimity
which belongs to real greatness. Even the frequenters
of the courts of princes were sensible of this exalted feel¬
ing, when in the presence of the hero, who, formed for the
highest destinies, bore an impress from nature, which de¬
clared him to be one among the noblest of her works*

Those who have only seen him as the leader of armies
and the chief magistrate of the republic, can have but an
imperfect idea of him when merged into the retired citi¬
zen, embosomed among his family and friends, cultivating
the social and domestic virtues, and dispensing pleasure
and happiness to all around him.

Persons in general have been in error, in supposing
that there belonged to this dignified man nothing of the
gentler sort — "no tear for pity.” In the master-spirit
in the direction of those vast events which gave a new
empire to the world, the austerity of command could
never destroy those kindlier feelings in which he delight¬
ed to indulge himself, and to inspire them in others.
Stern he was, to all whom he deemed wanting in those
high moral requisites, which dignify and adorn our
natures — stern he was, to the disturbers of the repose
of society, the violators of those institutions which pro¬
mote peace and good will among men ; but he was for-

* It is related of the Honorable Gouverneur Morris, who was remarkable for his
freedom of deportment toward his friends, that on one occasion he offered a wager
that he could treat General Washington with the same familiarity as he did others.
This challenge was accepted, and the performance tried. Mr. Morris slapped Wash¬
ington familiarly on the shoulder, and said, “ How are you, this morning, general V’
Washington made no reply, but turned his eyes upon Mr. Morris with a glance that
fairly withered him. He afterward acknowledged, that nothing could induce him to
attempt the same thing again.

176

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

bearing toward the imperfections of human kind, where
they arose from the passions only, and not from the de¬
pravity of the heart.

He was reserved toward the many ; but there were a
chosen few, who, having passed that barrier, were wooed
by his kindly friendship to push their fortunes, till they
finally gained footing in the citadel of his esteem.

He was tender, compassionate, and sympathizing. We
have seen him shed tears of parental solicitude over the
manifold errors and follies of our unworthy youth.* He
shed a tear of sorrow for his suffering country in the
dark hour of her destiny ; and a tear of joy and gratitude
to heaven for her deliverance, when, in 1789, he cross¬
ed the bridge of Trenton , where the hands of freemen
“ reared for him triumphal bowers,” while a choir of in¬
nocents, with seraph chant, cc welcomed the mighty chief
once more,” and a virgins fair, and matrons grave, strewed
the hero’s way with flowers ”f

The journey of the first president to the seat of gov¬
ernment was one continued triumph ; but nowhere was
it of so feeling a character as at the bridge of Trenton.
That was, indeed, a classic ground. It was there, on a
frozen surface, that, in 1776, was achieved the glorious
event which restored the fast-failing fortunes of liberty,
and gave to her drooping eagles a renewed and bolder
flight. What a contrast to the chief must have been this
spot in 1789, when no longer “a mercenary foe aimed
against him the fatal blow ;” when no more was heard

* See the correspondence between Washington and young Custis during the col¬
legiate days of the latter, appended to the Memoir. t

t A more minute account of Washington’s reception at . Trenton, when on his way
to New York, in the spring of 1789, to be inaugurated the first president of the
United States, will be found in another chapter.

WASHINGTON AT MOUNT VERNON.

177

the roar of combat, the shouts of the victors, the groans
of the dying — but the welcome of thousands to liberty’s
great defender— the heartfelt homage of freemen to the
deliverer of his country. The president alighted from
his carriage, and approached the bridge uncovered. As
he passed under the triumphal arch, a cherub, in the
form of a young girl, perched amid the foliage that
covered it, crowned him with laurel which will never
fade, while the sweetest minstrelsy from human lips
filled the air, as the hero trod on his way of flowers.
Washington then shed tears — tears of the deepest emo¬
tion.

The merit of these appropriate and classical decora¬
tions is due to the late Mrs. Stockton, of Princeton, a
lady of superior literary acquirements and refined taste.
She was familiarly called duchess , from her elegance and
dignity of manners. She was a most ardent patriot
during the War of the Revolution, and, with the Stockton
family, was marked for persecution on the ruthless inva¬
sion of the Jerseys.* This distinguished lady was the

* Like others of the signers of the great Declaration, Mr. Stockton was marked
for peculiar vengeance by the enemy. So suddenly did the flying Americans pass
by Princeton, in the autumn of 1776, and so soon were the Hessian vultures and
their British companions on the trail, that he had barely time to remove his family
to a place of safety before his beautiful mansion was filled with rude soldiery. The
house was pillaged ; the horses and stock were driven away ; the furniture was con¬
verted into fuel ; the choice old wines in the cellar were drunk ; the valuable library
and all the papers of Mr. Stockton were committed to the flames, and the estate was-
laid waste. The plate had been hastily buried in the woods, in boxes. A treacher¬
ous servant revealed their place of concealment, and two of the boxes were disinter¬
red and rifled of their contents ; the other was saved. Mr. Stockton and family took
refuge with a friend in Monmouth county. His place of concealment was discovered
by a party of refugee loyalists, who entered the house at night, dragged him from
his bed, and treating him with every indignity which malice could invent, hurried him
to Amboy, and from thence to New York, where he was confined in the loathsome
provost jail. There he suffered dreadfully; and when, through the interposition of

178

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

grandmother of Mr. Secretary Rush, who is “doubly
blessed” in his Revolutionary ancestry ; both his father
and grandfather having signed the Declaration of Inde¬
pendence — a most honored distinction, and, we believe,
enjoyed by no other citizen of our extensive American
empire.*

Congress, he was released, his constitution was hopelessly shattered, and he did not
live to see the independence of his country achieved. He died at Morven, his seat at
Princeton, in February, 1781, blessed to the last with the tender and affectionate
attentions of his Annis, whom he called “ the best of women/’ Night and day she
was at his bedside, and when his spirit was about to depart, she wrote, impromptu,
several verses, of which the following is indicative of her feelings : —

“ Oh, could I take the fate to him assigned,

And leave the helpless family their head,

How pleased, how peaceful to my lot resigned,

I ’d quit the nurse’s station for the bed !”

Lossing’s Field-Book of the Revolution.

Mrs. Ellet, in her Women of the Revolution, has given an interesting biography of
Mrs. Annis Stockton. She relates, that when that excellent lady heard of the de¬
struction of the library, she remarked, that “ there were two books in it she would
like to have saved — the Bible and Young’s Night Thoughts.” Tradition says, that
these two books were the only ones left.

* Honorable Richard Rush, of Philadelphia. When Mr. Custis wrote, he was in
the cabinet of President Adams, as secretary of the treasury, and in the prime of
life, being about forty-seven years of age. He was graduated at Princeton college
in 1797, became a lawyer, and in 1811 was appointed attorney-general of Pennsyl¬
vania. He became the United States attorney-general in 1814. He was secretary
of state under President Monroe, and then succeeded John Quincy Adams as min¬
ister at the court of St. James. There he remained over seven years, when Mr.
Adams called him into his cabinet. During that time he negotiated some very im¬
portant treaties. At the request of President Jackson, Mr. Rush went to London,
in 1836, to obtain Mr. Smithson’s legacy to the United States, out of the English
court of chancery. In August, 1838, he returned with the entire sum. In 1847,
President Polk appointed him minister to France. After his return he remained in
private life, at his beautiful seat of Sydenham, near Philadelphia, where, on the verge
of octogenarian honors (having been born in 1780) he died on the 1st. of August, 1859.
In 1857, Mr. Rush prepared and published a valuable little volume, entitled, Wash¬
ington in Domestic Life , from original letters and manuscripts then in his possession.

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OF MERCER. 179

CHAPTER III

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OF GENERAL MERCER.

Errors of History — Manner of Mercer’s Fall and Eeception of Death-Wounds —
Taken to Clark’s House, near the Battle-Field — Major Lewis sent to take Care of
Him — His accurate Knowledge of his Situation — His Explanation of his Wounds —
His Death — His Burial-Place — Anecdote of his Early Patriotism — Death of Cap¬
tain Leslie — Doctor Eush — The Seyenteenth British Eegiment — Composition of the
American Army — The Die cast at Princeton — Washington on the Battle-Field
there — Colonel Fitzgerald, his Aid-de-Camp.

There has always been an erroneous impression on the
public mind, concerning the death of General Mercer,
who fell at the battle of Princeton, January 3, 1777.*

* The battle at Princeton occurred a few days after Washington’s triumph at
Trenton, on the morning of the twenty-sixth of December, 1776, and was the close
of a melancholy, yet brilliant chapter in the history of the old War for Independence.
A little while before, Washington and his army had been expelled from the east side
of the Hudson river, and for the space of three weeks were flying across New Jersey
before a victorious pursuer, who was so close upon him at times, that each could
hear the martial music of the other. The flight ended and repose came only when
the Americans had crossed the Delaware, taken all the boats with them, and placed
a broad and rapid stream filled with ice, between themselves and the foe.

The British formed small encampments along the Jersey side of the Delaware,
from Trenton to Burlington, and below. At Trenton were a thousand Hessian and
some British cavalry. On Christmas night, Washington with his refreshed troops
recrossed the Delaware, eight miles above Trenton, and early in the morning, fell
upon and captured those hirelings, and, with his prisoners, went back to the Penn¬
sylvania shore.

Once more Washington recrossed the Delaware, and with five thousand soldiers,
encamped there. On the second of January Cornwallis, with veteran British troops,
came from Princeton to attack him. There was some fighting at Trenton just at
evening, when the British general, feeling sure that he could capture the whole
American army in the morning, took rest for the night. The Americans were in
great peril. They could not retreat across the river, and were too feeble to fight so
large an army as that before them, with any chance for success. So, at midnight,

180

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

We offer the homage of our veneration for this martyr’s
memory, by giving to his adopted country and the world
authentic particulars of the heroism and devotion that
attended his fall. Our authority is derived from the late
Major George Lewis, the nephew of the commander-in-
chief, and captain of his Guard, and who was sent in with
a flag to afford to the wounded general every possible
comfort and assistance.

It was immediately after the sharp conflict at the
fence* between the advanced guard of the American
army, led by General Mercer, and the British seven¬
teenth regiment, and the retreat of the Americans
through the orchard near to Clark’s house and barn,
that General Mercer, while exerting himself to rally his

the ground having frozen so as to allow them to roll away their cannon, the whole
army decamped, by an unfrequented road, toward Princeton, leaving their camp-fires
burning, to deceive the British. In the morning Cornwallis was mortified to find
his expected prey had escaped ; and the first intimation that he had of the direction
in which he had fled, was the booming of cannon at Princeton, just at sunrise, which,
though a clear morning, and in midwinter, he mistook for distant thunder. Then
commenced the battle of Princeton between a part of Washington’s army, under
General Mercer, and some British troops that had just begun their march to
join Cornwallis at Princeton. In that battle the Americans were victorious, and
going into winter-quarters among the hills near Morristown immediately afterward,
Washington, by sending out detachments and otherwise, drove the enemy out of
New Jersey, except at Brunswick and Amboy.

* When the British brigade, under Lieutenant-Colonel Mawhood, first discovered
the Americans, under Mercer, near Princeton, they wheeled, and both parties rushed
forward to cross Stony brook, then a full and frozen stream, at Worth’s mills, in
order to gain the high and advantageous ground beyond, toward Princeton. The
British crossed first, but Mercer and his troops soon reached the house and orchards
of William Clark, eastward of the present turnpike from Princeton to Trenton.
Mercer there perceived the British line approaching from the opposite side of the
height, and pushed through the orchard to a hedge-fence, from behind which his rifle¬
men discharged a deadly volley. It was quickly returned by the enemy, who in¬
stantly charged. The Americans, armed only with rifles and muskets, could not
withstand the furious attack of the British bayonets. After the third fire they
abandoned the fence and fled in great disorder.

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OE MERCER. 181

broken troops, was brought to the ground by a blow
from the butt of a musket. He was on foot at this
time — the gray horse he rode at the beginning of the
action having been disabled by a ball in the fore-leg.
The British soldiers were not at first aware of the gen¬
eral’s rank, for, the morning being very cold, he wore a
surtout over his uniform. So soon as they discovered
that he was a general officer, they shouted that they had
got the rebel general, and cried, 66 Call for quarters you
d — d rebel!” Mercer to the most undaunted courage
united a quick and ardent temperament : he replied with
indignation to his enemies, while their bayonets were at
his bosom, that he deserved not the name of rebel ; and,
determining to die as he had lived, a true and honored
soldier of liberty, lunged with his sword at the nearest
man. They then bayoneted him, and left him for dead.

Upon the retreat of the enemy, the wounded general
was conveyed to Clark’s house, immediately adjoining
the field of battle.* The information that the com¬
mander-in-chief first received of the fall of his old com¬
panion in arms of the war of 1755, and beloved officer,
was that he had expired under his numerous wounds ;
and it was not until the American army was in full
march for Morristown that the chief was undeceived, and
learned, to his great gratification, that Mercer, though
fearfully wounded, was yet alive.f Upon the first halt

* This was then a new house, owned by Thomas Clark, a member of the Society
of Friends, or Quakers. It is yet [1859] standing, and in possession of a member
of the Clark family. There General Mercer was nursed by Sarah Clark and a colored
woman belonging to the family. The house stands on the south side of the battle¬
field, and about a mile and a quarter south of Princeton.

t Washington wrote to the president of Congress on the fifth of January, 1777,
from Pluckemin, New Jersey, giving an account of events in which he had been en¬
gaged since his communication from Trenton, on the first of the month, and men-

182

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

at Somerset courthouse, Washington despatched Major
George Lewis with a flag and a letter to Lord Corn¬
wallis, requesting that every possible attention might be
shown to the wounded general, and permission that

tioned the death of General Mercer. Two days afterward he wrote : “lam happy
to inform you, that the account of General Mercer’s death, transmitted in my last,
was premature, though it was mentioned as certain by many who saw him after he
was wounded. By intelligence from Princeton yesterday evening, he was alive, and
seemed as if he would do well. Unhappily he is a prisoner. Had it not been for
the information of his death, I would have tried to bring him away, though I believe
it could not have been effected.”

General Mercer died on the twelfth, at Clark’s house, and was buried there, but
two days afterward his remains were removed to Philadelphia, and interred with
military honors, in Christ churchyard. A committee of the Congress was appointed
to consider what honor should be paid to the memories of General Warren, killed
on Breed’s hill on the seventeenth of June, 1775, and to General Mercer. The
committee reported on the eighth of April, recommending the erection of a monu¬
ment in Boston, with suitable inscriptions, in 'honor of Warren, and another at
Fredericksburg, in Virginia, in honor of Mercer, with the following inscription : —

‘ SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF
HUGH MERCER,

BRIGADIER-GENERAL IN THE ARMY OF
THE UNITED STATES.

HE DIED ON THE 12th OF JANUARY, 17TT, OF THE
WOUNDS HE RECEIVED ON THE 3d OF THE SAME MONTH,

NEAR PRINCETON, IN NEW JERSEY,

BRAVELY DEFENDING THE
LIBERTIES OF AMERICA.

THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES,

IN TESTIMONY OF HIS VIRTUES, AND THEIR GRATITUDE,

HAVE CAUSED THIS MONUMENT TO BE ERECTED.”

They also resolved, that “ the eldest son of General Warren, and the youngest son
of General Mercer, be educated, from this time, at the expense of the United States.”
Neither monument was ever erected, but the children were educated at the expense
of the government. General Mercer’s son (the late Colonel Hugh Mercer, of
Fredericksburg, Virginia), was then about six months old, having been born in
July, 1776. He was educated at William and Mary college, in Virginia, when Bishop
Madison was its president. He was for many years colonel of the militia of his
native county, and an active magistrate. For five consecutive years he was a mem¬
ber of the Virginia legislature, and for many years was president of the Branch
Bank of Virginia, at Fredericksburg. He died at his seat, called The Sentry-Box,
in 1855, at the age of seventy-nine years. A portrait of this “ Child of the Republic”
may be found in Lossing’s Field-Book of the Revolution.

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OF MERCER. 183

Lewis should remain with him to minister to his wants.
To both requests his lordship yielded a willing assent,
and ordered his staff-surgeon to attend upon General
Mercer. Upon an examination of the wounds, the British
surgeon remarked, that although they were many and
severe, he was disposed to believe that they would not
prove dangerous. Mercer, bred to the profession of an
army-surgeon in Europe,* said to young Lewis, 66 Raise
up my right arm, George, and this gentleman will there
discover the smallest of my wounds, but which will prove
the most fatal. Yes sir, that is a fellow that will very
soon do my business.” He languished till the twelfth,
and expired in the arms of Lewis, admired and lamented
by the whole army. During the period that he lay on
the couch of suffering, he exonerated his enemies from
the foul accusation which they bore, not only in 1777
but for half a century since, viz., of their having bayonet¬
ed a general officer after he had surrendered his sword,
and become a prisoner-of-war — declaring that he only
relinquished his sword when his arm had become power¬
less to wield it.f He paid the homage of his whole heart

* He was a native of Scotland, and was an assistant-surgeon in the battle of Cul-
loden, which decided the fate of Charles Edward, the Young Scotch Pretender to
the throne of England, as the lineal representative of the Stuart family, who were
expelled in the person of James II., in 1688. Soon after that battle Mercer came to
America, took up his residence at Fredericksburg, and was engaged in the practice
of medicine and the business of an apothecary there, when the War for Independence
broke out. He espoused the cause, left his profession, took the command of three
regiments of minute-men in 1775, and, in 1776, organized and drilled a large body
of Virginia militia. Congress gave him the commission of a brigadier on the fifth
of June, 1775, and appointed him to the command of the flying camp of ten thou¬
sand men, authorized to be raised in the middle states.

f “Lewis,” says Mr. Custis, elsewhere, “mentioned to General Mercer the ex¬
treme indignation which prevailed in the American army, together with threats of
retaliation at the inhuman treatment it was supposed the general had received from
the enemy, viz., that he had been bayoneted after having surrendered and asked for

184

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

to the person and character of the commander-in-chief,
rejoiced with true soldierly pride in the triumphs of
Trenton and Princeton, in both of which he had borne a
conspicuous part, and offered up his fervent prayers for
the final success of the cause of American Independence.

Thus lived and died Hugh Mercer, a name that will
for ever be associated with momentous events in the his¬
tory of the War of the Revolution. When a grateful
posterity shall bid the trophied memorial rise to the
martyrs who sealed with their blood the charter of an
empire’s liberties, there Avill not be wanting a monument
to him whom Washington mourned as “the worthy and
brave General Mercer.”

General Mercer lies buried, in Philadelphia, where a
plain slab, with the initials H. M., denotes the last earthly
dwelling of the patriot brave,

“ Who sunk to rest,

With his country’s wishes blest.”*

quarter : when the magnanimous Mercer observed, “ The tale which you have heard,
George, is untrue. My death is owing to myself. I was on foot, endeavoring to
rally my men, who had given way before the superior discipline of the enemy, when
I was brought to the ground by a blow from a musket. At the same moment the
enemy discovered my rank, exulted in their having taken the rebel general, as they
termed me, and bid me ask for quarters. I felt that I deserved not so opprobrious
an epithet, and determined to die, as I had lived, an honored soldier in a just and
righteous cause ; and without begging my life or making reply, I lunged with my
sword at the nearest man. They then bayoneted and left me."

* This was written in October, 1839. A plain marble slab was afterward placed
at the head of his grave, with the simple inscription : “ In Memory of General Hugh
Mercer , who fell at Princeton, Jan. 3d, 1777.” There his remains lay until 1840,
when his countrymen, of the St. Andrew’s, and the Thistle societies, removed them
to Laurel Hill cemetery, and erected a fine white marble monument over them, near
the chapel. The monument bears the following inscriptions, which give the most
important incidents of his public life. East side, or principal front : “ Dedicated to
the Memory of General Hugh Mercer, who fell for the Sacred Cause of Human
Liberty, and American Independence, in the Battle of Princeton. He poured out
his blood for a Generous Principle.” West side : “ General Mercer, a Physician

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OF MERCER. 185

We shall give a single anecdote of the subject of the
foregoing memoir, to show the pure and high-souled prin¬
ciples that actuated the patriots and soldiers of the days
of our country’s trial.

Virginia at first organized two regiments for the com¬
mon cause. When it was determined to raise a third,
there were numerous applications for commissions ; and
these being mostly from men of fortune and family inter¬
est, there was scarcely an application for a rank less than
a field officer. During the sitting of the house of bur¬
gesses upon this important motion, a plain but soldierly-
looking individual handed up to the speaker’s chair a
scrap of paper, on which was written, “ Hugh Mercer
will serve his adopted country and the cause of liberty
in any rank or station to which he may be appointed.”
This, from a veteran soldier, bred in European camps,

of Fredericksburg, in Virginia, was distinguished for his skill and learning, his
gentleness and decision, his refinement and humanity, his elevated honor, and his
devotion to the great cause of Civil and Religious Liberty.” North side : “ General
Mercer, a native of Scotland, was an assistant-surgeon in the Battle of Culloden,
and the companion of Washington in the Indian Wars of 1755 and 1756. He re¬
ceived a Medal from the Corporation of Philadelphia, for his courage and conduct
in the Expedition against the Indian Settlement of Kittanning.” South side: “ The
St. Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia offer this humble tribute to the memory of an
illustrious Brother. When a grateful posterity shall bid the trophied memorial rise
to the martyrs who sealed with their blood the charter of an Empire’s liberties, there
shall not be wanted a monument to him whom Washington mourned as the worthy
and brave Mercer.” General Mercer was about fifty-six years of age when he was
slain.

The funeral ceremonies on the occasion of the re-interment of the remains of Gen¬
eral Mercer, were very imposing. They took place on the twenty-ninth of Novem¬
ber, 1840. The pall was borne by Commodores Read, Biddle, and Stewart, and
Colonel Miller. The first troop of city cavalry, whose predecessors took part in the
battle in which Mercer was mortally wounded, composed the guard of honor (there
being at that time, not a single survivor of the original corps) ; and William B.
Reed, Esq., grandson of General Joseph Reed, of the Revolution, pronounced an
eloquent oration.

186

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

the associate of Washington in the war of 1755,* and
known to stand high in his confidence and esteem, was
all-sufficient for a body of patriots and statesmen such as
composed the Virginia house of burgesses in the days
of the Revolution. The appointment of Mercer to the
command of the third Virginia regiment was carried
instanter.

It was while the commander-in-chief reined up his
horse, upon approaching the spot in a ploughed field
where lay the gallant Colonel Hasletf mortally wounded,
that he perceived some British soldiers supporting an
officer, and upon inquiring his name and rank, was
answered, Captain Leslie. Doctor Benjamin Rush, J who
formed a part of the general's suite, earnestly asked, “ A
son of the Earl of Levin?” to which the soldiers replied
in the affirmative. The doctor then addressed the
general-in-chief: a I beg your excellency to permit this
wounded officer to be placed under my especial care,
that I may return, in however small a degree, a part of

* Mercer was with Washington on the Virginia frontier in the French and Indian
war.

t Colonel Haslet was in command of Delaware troops, and had done noble ser¬
vice on Long Island and at White Plains. In the engagement, at the latter place,
he was the first to take post on Chatterton’s hill, where the principal battle was
fought, with his own and some Maryland troops and militia, in all about sixteen
hundred men.

$ Benjamin Rush was born near Philadelphia, on the fifth of January, 1745. He
graduated at Princeton college, in 1760, commenced the study of medicine the next
yoar, and in 1766 went to Edinburgh, where, two years afterward, he received the
degree of M.D. He returned to Philadelphia in 1769, where he commenced the
practice of medicine, and was soon afterward elected professor of chemistry in the
College of Pennsylvania. He was chosen a member of the continental Congress
in 1776, and in April, 1777, he was appointed surgeon-general of the military hos¬
pitals of the middle department. From that period until his -death he took an active
part in public affairs — politics, science, and general literature. He stands in the
highest rank of American physicians and philosophers. Doctor Rush died on the
eighteenth of April, 1813, in the sixty-ninth year of his age.

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OF MERCER. 187

of the obligations I owe to his worthy father for the
many kindnesses received at his hands while I was a
student in Edinburgh.” The request was immediately
granted; but, alas! poor Leslie was soon “past all sur¬
gery” He died the same evening, after receiving every
possible kindness and attention, and was buried the next
day at Pluckemin with the honors of war ; his companions,
as they lowered his remains to the soldier’s last rest,
shedding tears over the grave of a much-loved com¬
mander.

The battle of Princeton, for the time it lasted and the
numbers engaged, was the most fatal to our officers of
any action during the whole of the Revolutionary war —
the Americans losing one general, two colonels, one
major, and three captains, killed* — while the martial
prowess of our enemy shone not with more brilliant
lustre, in any one of their combats during their long
career, of arms than did the courage and discipline of the
17th British regiment on the third of January, 1777.f
Indeed, Washington himself, during the height of the
conflict, pointed out this gallant corps to his officers,
exclaiming, “ See how those noble fellows fight ! Ah !
gentlemen, when shall we be able to keep an army long
enough together to display a discipline equal to our
enemies.”^

* These were General Mercer, Colonels Haslet and Potter, Major Morris, and
Captains Shippen, Fleming, and Neal.

f This was Colonel Mawhood’s regiment, and the one that drove the Americans
from the hedge fence, at the point of the bayonet.

J During the whole of the year 1776, Washington frequently pressed upon the
attention of Congress, the necessity for establishing a system of long enlistments in
the army, for every day the evils of short enlistments were felt. Up to the close of
1776, the chief dependence of the army was upon the militia. “ Who,” Washing¬
ton said in a letter to the president of Congress, toward the close of December,

188

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The regular troops that constituted the grand army at
the close of the campaign of ’76 were the fragments of
many regiments, worn down by constant and toilsome
marches, and suffering of every sort, in the depth of

“ come in, you can not tell how ; go, you can not tell when ; and act, you can not
tell where ; consume your provisions, exhaust your stores, and leave you at a critical
moment.” He then urged the establishment of a standing army, sufficient for the
exigencies of the case, and said : “ In my judgment this is not a time to stand upon
expense ; our funds are not the only object of consideration.” He then informed
the Congress that he had taken the responsibility of offering to regiment recruits,
and to place them on the continental establishment as to rank and pay, and added :
“ It may be thought that I am going a good deal out of the line of my duty to adopt
these measures, or to advise thus freely. A character to lose, an estate to forfeit,
the inestimable blessings of liberty at stake, and a life devoted, must be my excuse.”

The Congress had already resolved to establish a grand army of eighty-eight bat¬
talions of seven hundred and fifty men each, to be raised in the several states ; and
their confidence in Washington was manifested by their clothing him with the abso¬
lute powers of a military dictator, for six months. And a week after the foregoing
letter to the Congress was written, they authorized the raising of .sixteen additional
battalions, and at the same time thus defined by resolution, the extraordinary powers
which they had given to the commander-in-chief : —

“ This Congress, having maturely considered the present crisis, and having per¬
fect reliance on the wisdom, vigor, and uprightness of General Washington, do
hereby —

“ Resolve, That General Washington shall be, and he is hereby, vested with full,
ample, and complete powers to raise and collect together, in the most speedy and
effectual manner, from any or all of these United States, sixteen battalions of infan¬
try, in addition to those already voted by Congress ; to appoint officers for the said
battalions of infantry ; to raise, officer, and equip three thousand light-horse, three
regiments of artillery, and a corps of engineers, and to establish their pay ; to apply
to any of the states for such aid of the militia as he shall judge necessary; to form
such magazines, and in such places, as he shall think proper; to displace and
appoint all officers under the rank of brigadier-general, and to fill up all vacancies
in every other department in the American army ; to take, wherever he may be,
whatever he may want for the use of the army, if the inhabitants will not sell it,
allowing a reasonable price for the same ; to arrest and confine persons who refuse
to take the continental currency, or are otherwise disaffected to the American cause,
and return to the states of which they are citizens their names, and the nature of
their offences, together with the Avitnesses to prove them.

“ That the foregoing powers be vested in General Washington for and during the
term of six months from the date hereof, unless sooner determined by Congress.” —
Journals of Congress, December 27, 1776.

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OF MERCER. 189

winter. The fine regiment of Smallwood, composed of
the flower of the Maryland youth, and which in the June
preceding, marched into Philadelphia eleven hundred
strong, was, on the third of January, reduced to scarcely
sixty men, and commanded by a captain.* In fact, the
bulk of what was then called the grand army consisted
of the Pennsylvania militia and volunteers — citizen-sol¬
diers who had left their comfortable homes at the call of
their country, and were enduring the rigors of a winter
campaign. On the morning of the battle of Princeton,
they had been eighteen hours under arms, and harassed
by a long night’s march. Was it then to be wondered
at that they should have given way before the veteran
bayonets of their fresh and well-appointed foe ?

The heroic devotion of Washington was not wanting
in the exigencies of this memorable day. He was aware
that his hour was come to redeem the pledge he had laid
on the altar of his country when first he took up arms
in her cause : to win her liberties or perish in the
attempt. Defeat at Princeton would have amounted to
the annihilation of America’s last hope ; for, independent
of the enemy’s forces in front, Cornwallis, with the flower
of the British army, eight thousand strong, was already
panting close on the rear.f It was, indeed, the very

* Colonel Smallwood’s battalion was one of the finest in the army, in dress,
equipment, and discipline. Their scarlet-and-buff uniforms, and well-burnished
arms, contrasted strongly with those of the New England troops, and were “ dis¬
tinguished at this time,” says Graydon, “ by the most fashionable-cut coat, the most
macaroni cocked hat, and hottest blood, in the Union.” In the battle on Long
Island, at the close of the previous August, this fine corps had been dreadfully deci¬
mated. Full two hundred and fifty of them perished in the last deadly struggle
between Stirling and Cornwallis, near the shores of Gowanus creek.

t When Cornwallis heard the firing at Princeton, on the morning of the third of
January, he hastened in that direction with his whole force, for he considered his
valuable stores at Brunswick in danger. He reached Princeton just as the Ameri-

190

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

crisis of the struggle. In the hurried and imposing
events of little more than one short week, liberty endured
her greatest agony. What, then, is due to the fame
and memories of that sacred band who, with the master
of liberty at their head, breasted the storm at this fear¬
ful crisis of their country’s destiny

The heroism of Washington on the field of Princeton
is matter of history. We have often enjoyed a touching
reminiscence of that ever-memorable event from the late
Colonel Fitzgerald, who was aid to the chief, and who
never related the story of his general’s danger and almost
miraculous preservation, without adding to his tale the
homage of a tear.

The aid-de-camp had been ordered to bring up the
troops from the rear of the column, when the band under
General Mercer became engaged. Upon returning to

cans had secured their victory, who, though wearied and worn with fatigue and
want of sleep, were in pursuit of the fugitive British soldiers who had fled from
Princeton toward Brunswick. Cornwallis pursued Washington as far as the Mill¬
stone river, when he gave up the chase.

* ‘‘Achievements so stirring,” says the eloquent Charles Botta, “gained for
the American commander a very great reputation, and were regarded with wonder
by all nations, as well as by the Americans. The prudence, constancy, and noble
intrepidity of Washington, were admired and applauded by all. By unanimous
consent, he was declared to be the savior of his country ; all proclaimed him equal
to the most renowned commanders of antiquity, and especially distinguished him by the
name of the American Fabius. His name was in the mouths of all ; he was
celebrated by the pens of the most distinguished writers. The most illustrious per¬
sonages of Europe lavished upon him their praises and their congratulations. The
American general, therefore, wanted neither a cause full of grandeur to defend, nor
occasion for the acquisition of glory, nor genius to avail himself of it, nor the renown
due to his triumphs, nor an entire generation of men perfectly well disposed to ren¬
der him homage.”

It is said Frederick the Great of Prussia declared, that the achievements of Wash¬
ington and his little band of compatriots, between the twenty-fifth of December,
1776, and the fourth of January, 1777, a space of ten days, were the most brilliant
of any in the annals of military achievements.

BATTLE OF PRINCETON AND DEATH OF MERCER. 191

the spot where he had left the commander-in-chief, he
was no longer there, and, upon looking around, the aid
discovered him endeavoring to rally the line which had
been thrown into disorder by a rapid on-set of the foe*
Washington, after several ineffectual efforts to restore
the fortunes of the fight, is seen to rein up his horse,
with his head to the enemy, and in that position to be¬
come immovable. It was a last appeal to his soldiers,
and seemed to say, Will you give up your general to the
foe ? Such an appeal was not made in vain. The dis¬
comfited Americans rally on the instant, and form into
line 5 the enemy halt, and dress their fine ; the American
chief is between the adverse posts, as though he had
been placed there, a target for both. The arms of both
lines are levelled. Can escape from death be possible ?
Fitzgerald, horror-struck at the danger of his beloved
commander, dropped the reins upon his horse’s neck, and
drew his hat over his face, that he might not see him
die. A roar of musketry succeeds, and then a shout. It
is the shout of victory. The aid-de-camp ventures to
raise his eyes, and 0, glorious sight! the enemy are
broken and flying, while dimly amidst the glimpses of
the smoke is seen the chief, 66 alive, unharmed, and with-

* Mawhood and his regiment pressed forward in vigorous pursuit of the scattered
Americans, and it was while endeavoring to rally them that Mercer fell. The Brit¬
ish were soon checked by Washington, who was advancing over a hill at the head
of a column of regulars and Pennsylvania militia. Perceiving at a glance the des¬
perate state of affairs, Washington ordered Captain Moulder to form his field-battery
for immediate action, while the chief, in person, should attempt to rally the Ameri¬
cans. His stately form was seen by Mawhood, as he rode backward and forward,
and by word and action called upon the panic-stricken troops to turn upon the foe.
He ordered a halt, in battle line, and drew up his artillery with the intention of
charging upon Moulder to capture his battery. This was the movement alluded to
in the text.

192

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

out a wound,” waving his hat, and cheering his comrades
to the pursuit.

Colonel Fitzgerald, celebrated as one of the finest
horsemen in the American army, now dashed his rowels
in his charger’s flanks, and, heedless of the dead and
dying in his way, flew to the side of his chief, exclaim¬
ing, “ Thank God ! your excellency is safe !” The
favorite aid, a gallant and warm-hearted son of Erin, a
man of thews and sinews, and “ albeit unused to the
melting mood,” now gave loose rein to his feelings, and
wept like a child, for joy.

Washington, ever calm amid scenes of the greatest
excitement, affectionately grasped the hand of his aid
and friend, and then ordered — “ Away, my dear colonel,
and bring up the troops — the day is our own !”*

* Being severely galled by the grape-shot of the Americans, and perceiving
Hitchcock’s and another continental regiment advancing from behind the republican
column, Mawhood wheeled and retreated toward the high ground in the rear, leaving
his artillery upon the field. They fled to the Trenton road in confusion, crossed
the bridge over Stony Brook, and hastened to join Cornwallis, then on his march
from Trenton.

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

193

CHAPTER IY.

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN*

Washington undismayed by Defeat — Position of the British Army — March of the
Americans upon Germantown — Anecdote of Pulaski — An Intoxicated General
Officer — Surprise of the Enemy — Eetreat into Chew’s House — Attempt to Dis¬
lodge the British — A Council of War — Intense Fog — Alarm and Panic among the
Americans — Washington in Danger — Result of the Battle — General Nash Mor¬
tally Wounded — His Presence of Mind — His Death — The Undisciplined Americans
— Congress Complimentary — How near the Americans were Victorious — Remarks
of the French Minister on the Battle of Germantown — March of the Army to
Valley Fokge — Washington’s Compassion.

Undismayed by his defeat at the battle of the Brandy¬
wine, Washington hovered on the inarch of his enemy;
not with the hope of saving Philadelphia, but with the
determination to strike yet another blow before the con¬
clusion of the campaign of 1777. Charmed with the
courage displayed by his undisciplined soldiers, when
opposed to a superior army of veterans, in the combat at
Chad’s ford, the American general anxiously watched for
an opportunity of again measuring his sword with that
of his skilful and far better appointed adversary, though
vast were the advantages in favor of the latter.*]'

* Written, and published in the National Intelligencer, on the twenty-second
February, 1841.

t The retreat of the Americans after the disastrous contests near the Brandywine
creek, in Chester county, Pennsylvania, on the eleventh of September, 1777, was
precipitate, and at first confused. Lafayette, who had been severely wounded, has
left a vivid picture of the scene. Chester road, he said, was crowded with the flying
fugitives, cannon, baggage-carts, and everything else pertaining to an army, even
before the combats had entirely ceased ; and the confusion of the scene was enhanced
by the roar of cannon and the rattle of musketry in the rear. On the banks of a

194

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Sir William Howe;* flushed with his victory over the
American grand army, and the occupation of the then
capital of the American Union, and presuming that his
foe was sufficiently subdued to give him no further
molestation for the remainder of the campaign, quartered
a large portion of his troops in the village of German¬
town, about seven miles from the city of Philadelphia,
while he despatched considerable detachments toward
the positions still held by the American forces on the
Delaware.^

Washington promptly embraced the opportunity thus
offered of striking at his powerful adversary with fair
hopes of success. Gathering together all the troops
within his reach, and having received some reinforce-

stream, near Chester, twelve miles from the battlefield, the flight of the fugitives
was checked by their own officers, and Washington coming up toward midnight,
restored order. The next morning they continued their retreat toward Chester ;
while Howe, as usual, neglecting to follow up a capital advantage, remained two or
three days near the scene of the conflict.

Washington and his broken army halted at Germantown, rested there one day,
and then recrossed the Schuylkill, to attack the advancing foe. Both parties were
prepared for action, when a heavy rain so interferred, that it was indefinitely post¬
poned. Then commenced a series of marches and counter-marches. Sir William
Howe endeavoring to take possession of Philadelphia, and Washington doing all in
his power to keep him on the lower side of the Schuylkill. Howe succeeded, and
Washington took post within about fourteen miles of Germantown, from which point
he advanced to the engagement delineated in the text.

# General William Howe had been commander-in-chief of the British forces in
America since the retirement of General Gage, in the autumn of 1775. In the sum¬
mer of 1776, a British fleet, commanded by his brother, Admiral Lord Howe, came
upon the American coast, and at this time was co-operating with the land forces.
After the battle on Long Island, at the close of August, 1776, in which the British
were victorious, General Howe was knighted, and created a baronet. From that
time he was called Sir William Howe.

t These positions were Billingsport, Fort Mercer, at Red Bank, on the Jersey
shore, and Fort Mifflin, upon Mud island, near the Pennsylvania shore, below
Philadelphia. The channel of the river was obstructed by ehevaux defrise, con¬
structed by the Americans upon a plan said to have been suggested by Doctor
Franklin.

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

195

ments, although they consisted mostly of new levies,
the American army broke up its encampment, about
fifteen miles from Germantown, on the night of the third
of October, and advanced upon the enemy in three
columns, in order of battle.

During the night march, several incidents occurred
that might be deemed ominous of the fortunes of the
coming day. The celebrated Count Pulaski, who was
charged with the service of watching the enemy and
gaining intelligence, was said to have been found asleep
in a farm-house. But although the gallant Pole might
have been overtaken by slumber, from the great fatigue
growing out of the duties of the advanced guard, yet no
soldier was more wide awake in the moment of combat
than the intrepid and chivalric Count Pulaski.*

* Count Casimir Pulaski was a native of Lithuania, in Poland. He was edu¬
cated for the law, but stirring military events had their influence upon his mind, and
he entered the army. With his father, the old Count Pulaski, he was engaged in
the rebellion against Stanislaus, king of Poland, in 1769. The old count was taken
prisoner, and put to death. In 1770, the young Count Casimir was elected com-
mander-in-chief of the insurgents, but was not able to collect a competent force to
act efficiently, for a pestilence had swept off 250,000 Poles the previous year. In
1771, himself and thirty-nine others entered Warsaw, disguised as peasants, for the
purpose of seizing the king. The object was to place him at the head of the army,
force him to act in that position, and call around him the Poles to beat back the
Russian forces which Catharine had sent against them. They succeeded in taking
him from his carriage in the streets, and carrying him out of the city ; but were
obliged to leave him, not far from the walls, to effect their own escape. Pulaski’s
little army was soon afterward defeated, and he entered the service of the Turks,
who were fighting the Russians. His estates were confiscated, and himself outlawed.
He went to Paris, had an interview there with Doctor Franklin, and came to Amer¬
ica in 1777. He joined the army under Washington, and, on the fifteenth of Sep¬
tember, 1777 (four days after the battle of Brandywine, in which he behaved gal¬
lantly), he was appointed to the command of a troop of cavalry. His legion did
good service at the North. Early in the spring of 1778 he was ordered to Little
Egg Harbor, on the New Jersey coast. His force consisted of cavalry and infantry,
with a single field-piece from Proctor’s artillery. While on his way from Trenton
to Little Egg Harbor, and when within eight miles of the coast, he was surprised by a

196

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The delay in the arrival of the ammunition-wagons was
productive of the most serious consequences in the action
of the succeeding day. The general officer to whom
the blame of this delay was attached was afterward dis¬
covered in a state of intoxication, lying in the corner of
a fence. Lieutenant Benjamin Grymes, of the Life-
Guard,* grasping the delinquent by the collar, placed him
on his legs, and bade him go and do his duty. This bold
proceeding on the part of a subaltern toward a general
officer was certainly at variance with all rules or orders
of discipline ; but the exigency of the moment, and the
degraded spectacle that an officer of high rank had pre¬
sented to the eyes of the soldiery, would seem to have
warranted a proceeding that, under different circum¬
stances, must be considered as subversive of all military
discipline. Grymes was a bold, brave soldier, enthusi¬
astically attached to the cause of his country, and fore¬
most among the asserters of her liberties. The general
officer of whom we have spoken was brought to a court-
martial and cashiered. f

party of British, and a large portion of the infantry were bayoneted. Julien, a deserter
from his corps, had given information of his position ; the surprise was complete.
His loss was forty men, among them Lieutenant-Colonel Baron de Botzen. Pulaski
was ordered to the South in February, 1779, and was in active service under Lin¬
coln until the siege of Savannah, in October of that year, where he was mortally
wounded. His banner, made of crimson silk, and beautifully embroidered by the
Moravian sisters of Bethlehem, was preserved, and carried to Baltimore. He was
taken to the United States brig Wasp, where he died. He was buried under a large
tree on St. Helen’s island, about fifty miles from Savannah, by his first lieutenant
and personal friend, Charles Litomiski. Funeral honors were paid to his memory
at Charleston ; and, on the 29th of November, Congress voted the erection of a mon¬
ument to his memory. Like other monuments ordered by the continental Con¬
gress, the stone for Pulaski’s is yet in the quarry. The citizens of Savannah have
reared a fine marble obelisk, upon a granite base, in commemoration of the services
of General Greene and Count Pulaski.

* A notice of Washington’s Life-Guard is given in another chapter.

t The officer here alluded to, was General Adam Stephen of the Virginia line,

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

197

The surprise was complete. Between daybreak and
sunrise the British pickets were forced, and the light-
infantry, routed in their camp, fled in confusion, leaving
their camp standing.* So complete was the surprise,

and a companion-in-arms of Washington, during the French and Indian war. He
was a captain in the Ohio expedition in 1754, conducted by Colonel Washington.
Afterward raised to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, he was intrusted with the com¬
mand of Fort Cumberland. He was left in the command of the Virginia forces
while Washington went to Boston, on an official errand to Governor Shirley, in
1755, and was afterward despatched to South Carolina, to oppose the Creek Indians.
On his return, he was placed at the head of troops for the defence of the Virginia
frontier, and was commissioned a brigadier. Congress appointed him a major-
general, early in 1777, and he behaved well in the battle of Brandywine. Yielding
to a bad habit, he fell into disgrace at Germantown. His troops, it can scarcely be
said, were in the action at all. He was accused of “ unofficer-like-conduct ” during
the action and the retreat, was found guilty of being intoxicated, and was dismissed
from the army, much to the chagrin of many of the officers, for he was a pleasant,
companionable man. On the third of December, 1777, the Marquis de Lafayette was
appointed to the command of General Stephen’s division. This was the first time
that the marquis had been honored with a leadership appropriate to his rank since
he joined the army.

* Washington arranged the following order of march against the enemy at Ger¬
mantown

“ The divisions of Sullivan and Wayne, flanked by Conway’s brigade, were to
enter the town by way of Chestnut hill ; while General Armstrong, with the Penn¬
sylvania militia, should fall down the Manatawny road by Vandeering’s mill, and
get upon the enemy’s left and rear. The divisions of Green and Stephen, flanked
by M‘Dougall’s brigade, were to enter by taking a circuit by way of the Lime-Kiln
road, at the market-house, and attack their right wing ; and the militia of Maryland
and Jersey, under Generals Smallwood and Forman, were to march by the old York
road, and fall upon the rear of their right. Lord Stirling, with Nash’s and Max¬
well’s brigade was to form a corps de reserved — Washington’s letter to the president
of Congress, 5th October, 1777.

To understand this march, it is necessary to define the location of the four several
roads mentioned. The Skippack or main road over Chestnut hill and Mount Airy,
passed through the village and on to Philadelphia, forming the principal street of
Germantown. The Manatawny or Ridge road, parallel with this, was nearer the
Schuylkill, and entered the main road below the village. Eastward of the village
was the Lime-Kiln road, which entered at the market-place, and still farther east¬
ward, was the old York road, which fell into the main road, some distance below
the village. The main British army lay encamped across the lower part of the
village. The right, commanded by General Grant, lay eastward of the village—

198

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

that the officer’s watches were found hanging up in their
marquees, together with their portmanteaus and trunks
of clothes, the latter affording a most seasonable booty
to the American soldiery. Many of the tents and mar¬
quees were burnt, owing to a want of vehicles to
carry them away. Although completely routed in the
onset, the British light-infantry rallied under their offi¬
cers, and annoyed their enemy from every house, enclo¬
sure, or other defensible position that offered in the line
of their retreat ; thus showing the mighty power of dis¬
cipline over broken troops, and its invaluable influences
amid the greatest emergencies of war.

Six companies of the fortieth regiment, under their
lieutenant-colonel,f being hard pressed by the advancing
columns of the Americans, threw themselves into Chew’s
house, a strongly-constructed stone building, and barri¬
cading the lower windows, opened a destructive fire from
the cellars and upper windows. The Americans, finding
their musketry made no impression, were in the act of
dragging up their cannon to batter the walls, when a
ruse de guerre was attempted, which, however, failed of
success. An officer galloped up from the house, and
cried out, “ What are you about ; you will fire upon your

each wing covered by'strong detachments, and guarded by cavalry. Howe’s head¬
quarters was in the rear of the centre. About two miles in advance was a battalion
of British infantry, with a train of artillery ; and an out-lying picket with two six-
pounders, was at Mount Airy. It was this picket and light-infantry which are
referred to in the text. The attack was led by General Wayne, whose men remem¬
bered the massacre of their companions-in-arms at Paoli, on the night of the twen¬
tieth of September. “They pushed in w’ith the bayonet,” says Wayne, “and took
ample vengeance for that night’s work.”

* Lieutenant-Colonel Musgrave. He lay encamped in a field west of the main
road, opposite the heavy stone-house of Chief-Justice Chew, which is yet standing
at Germantown.

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

199

own people.” The artillery opened, but, after fifteen or
twenty rounds, the pieces were found to be of too small
caliber to make a serious impression, and were with¬
drawn.

A most daring and chivalric attempt was now made to
fire the building. Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, aid-de-
camp to the commander-in-chief, with a few volunteers,
rushed up to the house under cover of the smoke, and
applied a burning brand to the principal door, at the
same time exchanging passes with his sword with the
enemy on the inside. By almost a miracle, this gallant
and accomplished officer escaped unharmed, although his
clothes were repeatedly torn by the enemy’s shot. An¬
other and equally daring attempt was made by Major
White, aid-de-camp to General Sullivan, but without as
fortunate a result. The major, while in the act of firing
one of the cellar windows, was mortally wounded, and
died soon afterward.*

Washington acco,mpanied the leading division under
Major-General Sullivan, and cheered his soldiers in their
brilliant onset, as they drove the enemy from point to

# I visited “Chew’s house” in the autumn of 1848, when the venerable daughter-
in-law of Judge Chew was yet living there. She informed me that, several years
after the war, and soon after her marriage, while a young man named White was
visiting her father-in-law, the old gentleman, in relating incidents of th'e battle in
Germantown, mentioned the circumstance that a Major White, an aid of General
Sullivan, and one of the handsomest men in the continental army, attempted to fire
the house for the purpose of driving out the British. He ran under a window with
a fire-brand, where shots from the building could not touch him. He was discovered,
and a British soldier, running into the cellar, shot him dead from a basement window.
The young man was much affected by the recital, and said to Judge Chew, “ That
Major White, sir, was my father.” Mrs. Chew pointed out to me the window,
near the northwest corner of the house, from which the shot was fired. The Marquis
de Chastellux, in his Journal (i. 212) says, that M. Manduit, a meritorious officer in
the continental service, tried to fire the house with burning straw.

200

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

point. Arrived in the vicinity of Chew’s house, the
commander-in-chief halted to consult his officers as to the
best course to he pursued toward this fortress that had
so suddenly and unexpectedly sprung up in their way.
The younger officers who were immediately attached to
the person of the chief, and among the choicest spirits of
the Revolution, including the high and honored names of
Hamilton, of Reed, of Pinckney, of Laurens, and of Lee,
were for leaving Chew’s house to itself, or of turning
the siege into a blockade, by stationing in its vicinity a
body of troops to watch the movements of the gar¬
rison, and pressing on with the column in pursuit of
the flying enemy. But the sages of the army, at the
head of whom was Major-General Knox, repulsed at once
the idea of leaving a fortified enemy in the rear, as con¬
trary to the usages of war, and the most approved mili¬
tary authorities.*

At this period of the action the fog had become so
dense that objects could scarcely be distinguished at a
few yards distance. The Americans had penetrated the
enemy’s camp even to their second line, which was
drawn up to receive them about the centre of German¬
town. The ammunition of the right wing, including the

* “ What !” exclaimed Reed, when Knox spoke of Chew’s house as a fort, “ call
this a fort,’ and lose the happy moment !” They then sought Conway to decide the
point, but he was not to be found. The author is evidently in error, in supposing
Washington to have been engaged in this consultation. He had not yet arrived to
that point of the conflict. Knox’s opinion prevailed, and pursuit was abandoned.
Wayne heartily condemned the attack upon Chew’s house, and attributed the loss
of the day chiefly to the delay and confusion which it caused. “ A windmill attack,”
he said, “was made upon a house into which six light companies had thrown them¬
selves to avoid our bayonets. Our troops were deceived by this attack, thinking it
something formidable. They fell back to assist — the enemy believing it to be a re¬
treat, followed — confusion ensued, and we ran away from the arms of victory open
to receive us.”

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

201

Maryland brigades, became exhausted, the soldiers hold¬
ing up their empty cartridge-boxes, when their officers
called on them to rally and face the enemy. The ex¬
tended line of operations, which embraced nearly two
miles ; the unfavorable nature of the ground in the en¬
virons of Germantown for the operation of troops (a
large portion of whom were undisciplined), the ground
being much cut up, and intersected by stone-fences and
enclosures of various sorts ; the delay of the left wing
under Greene in getting into action* — all these causes,
combined with an atmosphere so dense from fog and
smoke as to make it impossible to distinguish friend from
foe, produced a retreat in the American army at the
moment when victory seemed to be within its grasp.

Washington was among the foremost in his endeavors
to restore the fortunes of the day, and while exerting
himself to rally his broken columns, the exposure of his
person became so imminent, that his officers, after affec¬
tionately remonstrating with him in vain, seized the
bridle of his horse.f

* The divisions of Greene and Stephen having to make a circuit, were quite late
in coming into action. They became separated, part of Stephen’s division having
been arrested by the fire from Chew’s house ; and the fog prevented a knowledge of
their relative position. Greene had attacked and routed a battalion of light-infantry
and the Queen’s rangers, under Lieutenant-Colonel Simcoe ; and believing that the
Pennsylvania militia on the right, under General Armstrong, and those of Maryland
and New Jersey on the left, under Smallwood, would carry out the order of the
commander-in-chief, by attacking and turning the first left and second right flank of
the enemy, he pressed forward with the brigades of Muhlenburg and Scott, drove
an advanced regiment of light-infantry before him, took a number of prisoners, and
made his way to the market-house, near the centre of the town, where he came full
upon the British right wing, drawn up in battle order. The British were amazed at
the vigor of the republicans, and, as was afterward ascertained, were on the point of
retreating, when a panic, caused by a false alarm, and the total ignorance of each
corps, of the position of the other, on account of the fog, put everything into con¬
fusion, and a retreat ensued.

f “ I saw our brave commander-in-chief,” wrote General Sullivan, “exposing him-

202

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The retreat, under all circumstances, was quite as
favorable as could be expected. The whole of the artil¬
lery was saved, and as many of the wounded as could be
removed. The ninth Virginia regiment, under Colonel
Matthews, having penetrated so far as to be without sup¬
port, after a desperate resistance, surrendered its remnant
of a hundred men, including its gallant colonel, who had
received several bayonet wounds. The British pursued
but two or three miles, making prisoners of the worn-out
soldiers, who, after a night-march of fifteen miles, and an
action of three hours, were found exhausted and asleep
in the fields and along the roads.

While gallantly leading the North Carolina brigade,
that formed part of the reserve, into action, General Nash
was mortally wounded. A round-shot from the British
artillery striking a sign-post in Germantown, glanced
therefrom, and, passing through his horse, shattered the
general’s thigh on the opposite side. The fall of the
animal hurled its unfortunate rider with considerable
force to the ground. With surpassing courage and pres¬
ence of mind, General Nash, covering his wound with
both of his hands, gayly called to his men, "Never mind
me, I have had a devil of a tumble ; rush on, my boys,
rush on the enemy, I’ll be after you presently.” Human
nature could do no more. Faint from loss of blood, and
the intense agony of his wound, the sufferer was borne
to a house hard by, and attended by Doctor Craik, by
special order of the commander-in-chief. The doctor
gave his patient but feeble hopes of recovery, even with

self to the hottest fire of the enemy in such a manner, that regard for my country
obliged me to ride to him and beg him to retire. He, to gratify me and some others,
withdrew to a small distance, but his anxiety for the fate of the day soon brought
him up again, when he remained till our troops had retreated.’'

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

203

the chances of amputation, when Nash observed, “ It may
be considered unmanly to complain, but my agony is too
great for human nature to bear. I am aware that my
days, perhaps hours, are numbered, but I do not repine
at my fate. I have fallen on the field of honor while
leading my brave Carolinians to the assault of the enemy.
I have a last request to make of his excellency the
commander-in-chief, that he will permit you, my dear
doctor, to remain with me, to protect me while I live,
and my remains from insult.”

Dr. Craik assured the general that he had nothing to
fear from the enemy ; it was impossible that they would
harm him while living, or offer an insult to his remains ;
that Lord Cornwallis was by this time in the field,* and
that, under his auspices, a wounded officer would be
treated with humanity and respect. The dying patriot
and hero then uttered these memorable words : “ I have
no favors to expect from the enemy. I have been con¬
sistent in my pjinciples and conduct since the commence¬
ment of the troubles. From the very first dawn of the
Revolution I have ever been on the side of liberty and
my country.”

He lingered in extreme torture between two and three
days, and died, admired by his enemies — admired and
lamented by his companions-in-arms. On Thursday, the

* General Gray, with the British left wing, was just pressing hard upon the
Americans in their flight, when Cornwallis arrived from Philadelphia, with a
squadron of light-horse, and joined in the pursuit. Through the skilful manage¬
ment of Greene, the retreat was well conducted, after the first paroxysm of the panic
had subsided; and Wayne, on gaining an eminence near White Marsh, turned
his cannon upon the pursuers, and effectually checked them. There were about one
thousand Americans lost in that battle, killed, wounded, and missing. According to
Howe’s official account, the British loss from the same cause, was five hundred and
thirty-five.

204

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

ninth of October, the whole American army was paraded
by order of the commander-in-chief, to perform the funeral
obsequies of General Nash, and never did the warrior’s
last tribute peal the requiem of a braver soldier or nobler
patriot than that of the illustrious son of North Carolina,

Taking rank with the chiefs who had fallen in the
high and holy cause of a Nation’s Independence, the
name of Nash will be associated with the martyr names.,
of Warren, Montgomery, Wooster, and Mercer, while the
epitaph to be graven on his monumental marble should
be the memorable words of the patriot and hero on the
field of his fame : From the very first daimi of the Revolution ,
I have ever been on the side of liberty and my country *

* Francis Nash was a captain in North Carolina, in 1771, and was distinguished
in the movements in the western parts of this province, known as the Regulator War.
He was commissioned a colonel by the convention of North Carolina, at the com¬
mencement of the war, and in February, 1777, the continental Congress commission¬
ed him a brigadier in the grand army. The ball that wounded him at Germantown,
killed his aid, Major Witherspoon, son of Doctor Witherspoon, president of Prince¬
ton college. Nash’s remains were conveyed to Kulpsville, and buried in the Men-
nonist burrying-ground there, about twenty-six miles from Philadelphia. On re¬
ceiving intelligence of his death, the Congress resolved to request Governor Caswell,
of North Carolina, “ to erect a monument of the value of five hundred dollars, at
the expense of the United States,” in honor of his memory.

That proposed monument has not been erected. Private patriotism has been more
faithful. Through the efforts of John F. Watson, Esq., the annalist of Philadelphia
and New York, the citizens of Germantown and Norristown have erected a neat
marble monument to the memory of the gallant Nash, upon which is the following
inscription : —

VOTA VIA MEA JUS PATRLE.

IN MEMOET OF

GENERAL NASH, OF NORTH CAROLINA,

MORTALLY WOUNDED AT THE BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN,

* HERE INTERRED, OCTOBER 17th, 1777,

IN PRESENCE OF THE ARMY HERE ENCAMPED. — J. F. W.

Among the British officers killed on that occasion, were Brigadier-General James
Agnew, and Lieutenant Bird. These were inhumed in the South burying-ground
at Germantown, and over their graves also Mr. Watson has erected a neat marble
slab. In the North burying-ground, the same patriotic gentleman has set up com-

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

205

It was not the halt at Chew’s house, it was not the
denseness of the fog, that produced the unfortunate ter-

memorative slabs at the head of the graves of Captain Turner, of North Carolina,
Major Irvine, and six private soldiers of the American army, who were killed in the
battle, and there buried together.

We insert the following letter to the author of the Recollections, from a gentleman
of Washington city, because it is a tribute to a brave officer, whose merits have not
been recorded in history : —

“Washington, February 24th, 1841.

“Dear Sir : I was much gratified at the publication in the Intelligencer, on the
22d instant, of your reminiscences of the battle of Germantown, but regret that your
information was not sufficient to embrace Colonel John H. Stone, of the Maryland
brigade. This patriotic and gallant soldier was conspicuous in the battles of Long
Island, White Plains, Trenton, Princeton, and Brandywine, in all of which his con¬
duct commanded the high admiration and warm approbation of his commander-in¬
chief, General Washington. In the latter battle the duty assigned him was, with his
men, to cover and protect the American artillery, which he did — the corps, however,
under his command suffering immensely, as was expected. When the order for re¬
treat was given, in wheeling, his horse was killed and he slightly wounded, but in
the confusion, dropped behind a bush exhausted with fatigue ; he was discovered by
one of his men, whom he begged to pass on and make his escape, as he (Stone) was
exhausted, wounded, and must inevitably be taken prisoner ; he was prepared to
meet his fate, whatever it might be ; the soldier, however, could not be persuaded
to leave him ; he raised him from the ground, took off his boots, threw out the
sand and pebbles, and finally they succeeded in making their escape under cover of
the wood.

“ At the battle of Germantown he was again found at the head of his men, and in
the midst of that disastrous action had his leg shattered by a musket-ball, when his
brother-officers implored him to allow himself to be taken from the field ; his reply
was, ‘ No, never while I can wield a sword, will I desert my corps and colors in the
face of an enemy/ He soon, however, became faint from the loss of blood and
anguish of the wound (the bone being shattered in a thousand pieces), when, to all
appearance in a dying state, three of his faithful soldiers bore him off the field. He
was taken five or six miles on a litter and placed in a farm-house. When General
Washington heard of it, he despatched Doctor Craik, his family surgeon, and Doctor
Rush, the physician-general to the army, bidding them be kind and attentive, and
leave nothing undone which was in the power of man, or skill of physicans, to save
his life. They immediately advised amputation, but he refused, and was on the next
day returned as mortally wounded. After lingering some time in great torture, and
suffering from a severe attack of tetanus, he recovered so far as to be able to be
taken on a litter to Annapolis, where he lingered out some fifteen or twenty years a
suffering cripple, and at length fell a victim to the irritation of his wounded condition.
After death several buckshot were taken from his groin.”

206

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

mination of the battle of the fourth of October. Time
that sheds the sober and enduring colors of truth over
the events of the world, has determined that the mis¬
fortunes of the battle of Germantown are rather to be
ascribed to the undisciplined character of a large propor¬
tion of the American troops, than to all other causes
combined. Washington’s oldest continental regiments
were of hut little more than a year’s standing, while
many of his troops had seen but a few months’ and some
but a few weeks’ service. With all these disadvantages,
the plan of the surprise of Germantown was ably con¬
ceived and gallantly executed in the outset, and failed
of complete success only from circumstances beyond all
human control.

Congress passed a unanimous resolution, conciliatory
to the feelings of the commander-in-chief, his officers
and soldiers, under their disappointment, intimating
“that it was not in nature to command success,” but
their brave army “ had done more ; it had deserved it.”*

The effects resulting from the battle of Germantown
were most happy both at home and abroad. The enemy
were taught to respect American troops which they had
affected to despise; and Sir William Howe deemed it
prudent to draw in all his outposts, and shelter himself
in Philadelphia, which proved a great relief to a large
and valuable portion of the adjacent country. Indeed, it
becomes the duty of the historian to declare that matters
might have been much worse on the fourth of October.
When the Americans retreated, the second line of the
enemy was in great force, having been but little impaired

* See Journals of Congress, October 8, 1777. A medal was also ordered to be
struck in commemoration of that event, and presented to Washington.

BATTLE OP GERMANTOWN.

207

in the action, while the reserve, consisting of the grena¬
diers, were close at hand to sustain their comrades, those
chosen fellows having, at the first alarm, seized their
arms, and ran, without halting, from the commons of
Philadelphia to Germantown. Howe’s army in 1777,
without disparagement of the British service before or
since that time, may be considered as the finest body of
troops that ever embarked from the British dominions ;
yet such was the alarm and confusion into which these
veterans were thrown by the masterly surprise at Ger¬
mantown, and such the courage and vigor displayed by
the Americans in their attacks in the early part of the
day, that a rendezvous at Chester became a measure of
serious contemplation among the commanders of the
British army.*

But the most happy and imposing influences upon

* In a letter to the president of Congress, written three days after the battle,
Washington says : —

“It is with much chagrin and mortification I add, that every account confirms
the opinion I at first entertained, that our troops retreated at the instant when vic¬
tory was declaring herself in our favor. The tumult, disorder, and even despair,
which, it seems, had taken place in the British army, were scarcely to be paralleled ;
and, it is said, so strongly did the idea of a retreat prevail, that Chester was fixed
on as a place of rendezvous. I can discover no other cause for not improving this
happy opportunity than the extreme haziness of the weather.” Writing, at the same
time, to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, Washington said: “But the morning
was so excessively foggy, that we could not see the confusion the enemy were in,
and the advantage we had gained ; and fearing to push too far through a strong vil¬
lage, we retired, after an engagement of two hours, bringing off all our artillery with
us. We did not know until after the affair was over how near we were to gaining a
complete victory.” Captain William Heth, a Virginia officer, in a letter to Colonel
John Lamb, of the artillery, asserted, that Chester had been fixed upon as a place
of rendezvous, and that “ upwards of two thousand Hessians had actually crossed the
Schuylkill for that purpose.” He also stated, that the tories in Philadelphia were
in great distress, and commenced moving out of the city ; and that in the pursuit,
the republicans passed “ upward of twenty pieces of cannon, and their tents standing,
filled with their choicest baggage.”

208

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

America and her cause, resulting from the battle of Ger¬
mantown, were experienced abroad. “Eh, mon Dieu,”
exclaimed the Count de V ergennes, the French minister
of foreign affairs, to the American commissioners in Paris,
“what is this you tell me, Messieurs; another battle,
and the British grand army surprised in its camp at
Germantown, Sir William and his veterans routed and
flying for two hours, and a great victory only denied to
Washington by a tissue of accidents beyond all human
control. Ah, ah, these Americans are an elastic people.
Press them down to-day, they rise to-morrow. And then,
my dear sirs, these military wonders to be achieved by
an army raised within a single year, opposed to the skill,
discipline, and experience of European troops command¬
ed by generals grown gray in war. The brave Americans,
they are worthy of the aid of France. They will succeed
at last.”*

The winter of 1 7 7 7 set in early, and with unusual severity.
The military operations of both armies had ceased, when
a detachment of the southern troops were seen plodding
their weary way to winter quarters at the Yalley Forge.f

* When intelligence of these bold and vigorous movements, and the victory of the
republicans at Saratoga, reached Europe, the most timid friend of the Ameri¬
cans took courage. At the French court the most active sympathy for them
was professed. “ Surely such a people possess the elements of success, and will
achieve it. We may now safely strike England a severe blow, by acknowledging
the independence, and forming an alliance with her revolted colonies,” argued the
French government; and so, with more of a desire to injure the old enemy of France
than to help a people struggling for freedom, the French court speedily acknowl¬
edged the independence of the United States, and formed a treaty of friendship and
alliance with them.

t On the west side of the Schuylkill, in Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, about
twenty miles from Philadelphia, is a deep rugged gorge, scooped from a slope
stretching from high land down to the river, and through which runs a considerable
stream. There, Isaac Potts, in whose house Washington kept his headquarters in
the winter of 1777, ’78, erected iron-works and a forge, and the place became known

BATTLE OF GERMANTOWN.

209

The appearance of the horse-guard announced the ap¬
proach of the commander-in-chief. The officer command¬
ing the detachment, choosing the most favorable ground,
paraded his men to pay their general the honors of the
passing salute. As Washington rode slowly up, he was
observed to be eying very earnestly something that at¬
tracted his attention on the frozen surface of the road.
Having returned the salute with that native grace, that
dignified air and manner, that won the admiration of the
soldiery of the old Revolutionary day, the chief reined
up his charger, and, ordering the commanding officer of
the detachment to his side, addressed him as follows:
66 How comes it, sir, that I have tracked the march of
your troops by the blood-stains of their feet upon the
frozen ground? Were there no shoes in the commis¬
sary’s stores, that this sad spectacle is to be seen along
the public highways V The officer replied : 66 Your ex¬
cellency may rest assured that this sight is as painful to
my feelings as it can be to yours ; but there is no remedy
within our reach. When the shoes were issued, the dif¬
ferent regiments were served in turn ; it was our misfor¬
tune to be among the last to be served, and the stores
became exhausted before we could obtain even the
smallest supply.”

The general was observed to be deeply affected by his
officer’s description of the soldiers’ privations and suffer¬
ings. His compressed lips, the heaving of his manly
chest, betokened the powerful emotions that were strug¬
gling in his bosom, when, turning toward the troops with

as Valley Forge. After the retreat from Germantown the Americans encamped
at White Marsh, but the weather becoming too severe for them to remain in tents,
Washington broke up his camp and moved his troops to Valley Forge, where they
constructed huts and remained during the severe winter that ensued.

210

RECOLLECTIONS OE WASHINGTON.

a voice tremulous yet kindly, Washington exclaimed,
“ Poor fellows y then giving rein to his charger, rode away.

During this touching interview, every eye was bent
upon the chief, every ear was attentive to catch his
words ; and when those words reached the soldiers, warm
from the heart of their beloved commander, and in tones
of sorrow and commiseration for their sufferings, a grate¬
ful but subdued expression burst from every lip, of a God
bless your excellency, your poor soldiers’ friend.”

In this interesting event in the life and actions of
Washington, he appears in a new light. He is no longer
the grave, the dignified, the awe-inspiring and unap¬
proachable general-in-chief of the armies of his country.
All these characteristics have vanished, and the Pater
Patriae appears amid his companions in arms, in all his
moral grandeur, giving vent to his native goodness of
heart.*

* Doctor Gordon, the earliest historian of the war, says, that “while at Washing¬
ton’s table, in 1784, the chief informed him that bloody foot-prints were everywhere
visible in the course of their march of nineteen miles from Whitemarsh to Valley
Forge.” Tlie commissary and quartermaster’s department had been so much de¬
ranged by the interference of Congress and the neglect of officers, that while there
was an ample supply of shoes, which had been provided for the army, they were not
where they should have been when wanted. Gordon asserts, on good authority,
that at that very time, “ hogsheads of shoes, stockings, and clothing, were lying at
different places on the roads, and in the woods, perishing for want of teams, or of
money to pay the teamsters.”

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

211

CHAPTER V.

THE BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.*

Approach op the Americans toward Monmotjth Courthouse — Decision op a Council
op "War — Washington assumes Great Responsibility — He Determines to Fight the
Enemy — Notice of Jefferson’s Opinion op Washington — Washington meets the
Flying American Army — Anecdote op Colonel Hamilton — Washington restores
the Fortunes op the Day — His Horses— Lafayette’s Account of Washington’s Ap¬
pearance — Death op Colonel Monckton — Captain F auntleroy — Proposed Memo¬
rial to Washington concerning Exposure of Himself in Battle — Remarks op Doc¬
tor Craik — The Indian Prophecy — Baron Steuben — The Valets Cannonaded —
Captain Molly — Washington on the Night op the Battle — Retreat of the British
— Vote op Thanks by the Congress.

The commander-in-chief having completed his arrange¬
ments for bringing the enemy to a general action, pro¬
ceeded slowly toward Monmouth courthouse, early on
the morning of the twenty-eighth of June, 1778.f

* Published in the National Intelligencer , February 22, 1840.
t Toward the close of May, 1778, General Sir Henry Clinton succeeded General
Sir William Howe in the command of the British forces in America. Perceiving
the dangers to be apprehended from the co-operation of a French fleet under Count
D’Estaing, with the republican armies, Sir Henry determined to concentrate his
forces at New York, the most eligible point for acting efficiently against the “ rebels.”
Accordingly, on the eighteenth of June, he evacuated Philadelphia, pursuant to an
order of the British ministry. His whole army crossed the Delaware, into New
Jersey, eleven thousand strong, with an immense baggage and provision train, and
marched for New York by way of New Brunswick and Amboy.

Washington, meanwhile, had been led to suspect some movement of this kind,
and was on the alert. He broke up his encampment at Valley Forge, and moved
toward the Delaware, and when he ascertained that Clinton had passed over into
New Jersey, he crossed also, at a point some distance above Philadelphia, and com¬
menced a series of manoeuvres to compel Clinton to change his course in the direc¬
tion of Sandy Hook. This he effected, having with him a force equal to the enemy,
and Sir Henry marched toward Monmouth courthouse.

212

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

In the council of war there were but two voices for
risking a general engagement, Cadwalader,* a gallant
fellow, and devoted in his attachment to the chief, and
Anthony Wayne, who always said aye when fighting
was to be had on any terms.f

Washington certainly assumed a great responsibility
in risking an engagement, contrary to the opinions of a
large majority of his generals, and notwithstanding the
vast disparity of his forces when compared with those of
his adversary — the disparity consisting more in the ma¬
teriel of which the respective armies was composed than
in their numerical estimates. But it is to be remembered

* General John Cadwalader. He was a native of Philadelphia, and in 1775, was
a member of the Pennsylvania convention. He entered the army, and was appointed
brigadier by Congress in February, 1777, and also in 1778, as commander of cavalry,
but declined the appointment on both occasions. He participated in the battles of
Princeton, Brandywine, Germantown, and Monmouth. On the fourth of July,
1778, he fought a duel with General Conway, the quarrel which led to it growing
out of the intrigue of that officer with Gates and others against Washington. Con¬
way was badly, but not mortally, wounded. Cadwalader removed to Maryland
after the war, and became a member of its state legislature. He died on the tenth
of February, 1786, aged forty-three years. He was a gentleman of large fortune,
and dispensed its blessings with a liberal hand. Many of his descendants yet reside
in Philadelphia and vicinity.

f Washington held a council of war at Valley Forge, on the seventeenth of June,
when a proposition was submitted, whether it would be advisable, in case an oppor¬
tunity offered, to hazard a general engagement with the enemy, in New Jersey
The decision was a negative ; but it was recommended to send out detachments to
harass the enemy. Of the nine general officers in that council, only four (not two
only, as asserted by the author of the Recollections) were in favor of a general
engagement. These were the chiefs four best officers — Greene, Lafayette, Wayne,
and Cadwalader. At Hopewell, in New Jersey, he called another council, sub¬
mitted a similar question, and obtained the same result. Cadwalader was not present ;
Greene, Lafayette, and Wayne, adhered to their former opinion. General Lee, who had
lately been exchanged for Prescott, and had joined the army as Washington’s second
in command, opposed the measure with warmth, as before. At first, Washington
was embarrassed by their divided opinions ; but, relying upon his own judgment,
which was strongly in favor of an engagement, he asked no further advice, and pro¬
ceeded to make arrangements for battle.

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

213

that the two principal actions of the grand army in the
preceding campaign, though bravely contested, had re¬
sulted unfortunately.* Since the close of the campaign
of ’77, an alliance had been formed with France, whose
fleets and armies were hourly expected on our coasts,
while the demands of the people, and those often loudly
expressed, were for battles.-)- Urged by these consider¬
ations, the American chief determined, happen what
would, to fight Sir Henry Clinton, so that he should not
evacuate Philadelphia, and reach his stronghold in New
York unscathed. Crossing the Delaware, the American
approached his formidable foe, wdio, trusting in his supe¬
riority of numbers, discipline, and appointment, was
leisurely wending his way toward Staten Island, the '
place of embarkation for New York.

As a soldier, Washington was by nature the very soul
of enterprise ; but, fortunately for his fame and for his
country, this daring spirit was tempered by a judgment
and prudence the most happy in their characters and
effects. And yet an illustrious patriot and statesman of
the Revolution, and most accomplished writer (Mr. Jeffer¬
son), has said that the Pater Patrise was rather the Fa-
bius than the Marcellus of war, his extreme caution
fitting him better for the cool and methodical operations
of sieges than for the daring strategy of surprise, or the

* Brandywine and Germantown.

f The first movement of the French government, in compliance with the provi¬
sions of the treaty of friendship and alliance made with the Americans, was to
despatch a squadron, consisting of twelve ships of the line and four large frigates,
under Count D’Estaing, to blockade the British fleet in the Delaware. Fortu¬
nately for Admiral Howe, he received from the British ministry timely notice of the
' fitting out of this armament, and left the Delaware in time to escape the blockade,
and took post, with his fleet, in the bay between Staten Island and Sandy Hook.
D'Estaing arrived off the capes of the Delaware, on the eighth of July, 1778.

214

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

close and stubborn conflict of the field.* Never was
there such a misconception of a great soldier’s attributes.

* The following interesting sketch of the character of Washington was drawn by
the pen of Jefferson, at Monticello, his seat in Virginia, on the second of January,
1814, in a letter to Doctor Walter Jones of Virginia, who had written an able letter
to the venerable statesman, on parties in the United States, and proposed to prepare
another. In his letter, Doctor Jones had expressed some doubt concerning Wash¬
ington as a topic, to which Jefferson replied, as follows : —

“ You say that in taking General Washington on your shoulders, to bear him
harmless through the federal coalition, you encounter a perilous topic. I do not
think so ; you have given the genuine history of the course of his mind through the
trying scenes in which it was engaged, and of the seductions by which it was
deceived, but not depraved. I think I knew General Washington intimately and
thoroughly ; and were I called on to delineate his character, it should be in terms
like these.

“ His mind was great and powerful, without being of the very first order ; his pene¬
tration strong, though not so acute as that of a Newton, Bacon, or Locke ; and as
far as he saw, no judgment was ever sounder. It was slow in operation, being little
aided by invention or imagination, but sure in conclusion. Hence the common
remark of his officers, of the advantage he derived from councils of war, where hear¬
ing all suggestions, he selected whatever was best ; and certainly no general ever
planned his battles more judiciously. But if deranged during the course of the
action, if any member of his plan was dislocated by sudden circumstances, he was
slow in re-adjustment. The consequence was that he often failed in the field, and
rarely against an enemy in station, as at Boston and York. He was incapable of
fear, meeting personal dangers with the calmest unconcern. Perhaps the strongest
feature in his character was prudence, never acting until every circumstance, every
consideration was maturely weighed ; refraining if he saw a doubt, but, when once
decided, going through with his purpose whatever obstacles opposed. His integrity
was most pure, his justice the most inflexible I have ever known, no motives of
interest or consanguinity, of friendship or hatred, being able to bias his decision.
He was indeed, in every sense of the word, a wise, a good, and a great man. His
temper was naturally irritable and high-toned; but reflection and resolution had
obtained a firm and habitual ascendency over it. If ever, however, it broke its
bonds, he was most tremendous in his wrath. In his expenses he was honorable,
but exact ; liberal in contributions to whatever promised utility ; but frowning and
unyielding on all visionary projects and all unworthy calls on his charity. His
heart was not warm in its affections ; but he exactly calculated every man’s value,
and gave him a solid esteem proportioned to it. His person, you know, was fine,
his stature exactly what one "would wish, his deportment easy, erect, and noble ; the
best horseman of his age, and the most graceful figure that could be seen on horse¬
back. Although, in the circle of his friends, where he might be unreserved with
safety, he took a free share in conversation, his colloquial talents were not above

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

215

Did not this modern Fabius, in the very depth of winter,
and after overcoming mighty obstacles, surprise his ene-

mediocrity, possessing neither copiousness of ideas, nor fluency of words. In public,
when called on for a sudden opinion, he was unready, short, and embarrassed. Yet
he wrote readily, rather diffusely, in an easy and correct style. This he had acquired
by conversation with the world, for his education was merely reading, writing, and com¬
mon arithmetic, to which he added surveying at a later day. His time was employed
in action chiefly, reading little, and that only in agriculture and English history. His
correspondence became necessarily extensive, and, with journalizing his agricultural
proceedings, occupied most of his leisure hours within doors.

“ On the whole, his character was, in its mass, perfect, in nothing bad, in few points
indifferent; and it may truly be said that never did nature and fortune combine more
perfectly to make a man great, and to place him in the same constellation with what¬
ever worthies have merited from man an everlasting remembrance. For his was the
singular destiny and merit of leading the armies of his country successfully through
an arduous war, for the establishment of its independence ; of conducting its councils
through the birth of a government new in its forms and principles, until it had set¬
tled down into a quiet and orderly train ; and of scrupulously obeying the laws Ihrough
the whole of his career, civil and military, of which the history of the world fur¬
nishes no other example. How then can it be perilous for you to take such a man
on your shoulders ? I am satisfied the great body of republicans think of him as I
do — we were indeed dissatisfied with him on his ratification of the British treaty,
but this was short-lived. We knew his honesty, the wiles with which he was
encompassed, and that age had already begun to relax the firmness of his purposes :
and I am convinced he is more deeply seated in the love and gratitude of the
republicans, than in the pharisaical homage of the federal monarchists. For he was
no monarchist from preference of his judgment. The soundness of that gave him
correct views of the rights of man, and his severe justice devoted him to them.
He has often declared to me that he considered our new constitution as an experi¬
ment on the practicability of republican government, and with what dose of liberty
man could be trusted for his own good : that he was determined the experiment should
have a fair trial, and would lose the last drop of his blood in support of it. And
these declarations he repeated to me the oftener, and the more pointedly, because he
knew my suspicions of Colonel Hamilton’s views, and probably had heard from him
the same declarations which I had, to wit : ‘ That the British constitution, with its
unequal representation, corruption, and other-existing abuses, was the most perfect
government which had ever been established on earth, and that a reformation of
those abuses would make it an impracticable government.’ I do believe that
General Washington had not a firm confidence in the durability of our government.
He was naturally distrustful of men, and inclined to gloomy apprehensions ; and I
was ever persuaded that a belief that we must at length end in something like a
British constitution, had some weight in his adoption of the ceremonies of levees,
birth-days, pompous meetings with Congress, and other forms of the same character,

216

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

my at Trenton, and recall Victory to his standard, when
Hope was almost sinking in despair ? Hid he not, by a
masterly manoeuvre and midnight march, surprise his
enemy in Princeton, and add yet another laurel to the
one acquired by the capture of the Hessians ? Hid he
not, with an army hastily raised, and defeated at Brandy¬
wine, in twenty-three days thereafter, surprise the enemy
at Germantown ? And though victory was denied him
by a force of circumstances no human power could have
controlled, yet the boldness of the enterprise, and the
success attending it in the outset, produced such a con¬
fidence abroad in our courage and resources, as to lead
to our alliance with a powerful nation. Hid he not sur¬
prise the enemy at Monmouth ? And, although untoward
events served to cripple the operations of the early part
of the day, yet the setting-sun shone upon the battle¬
field in possession of the Americans, the enemy retreat-

ealculated to prepare us gradually for a change which he believed possible, and tc
let it come on with as little shock as might be to the public mind. These are my
opinions of General Washington, which I would vouch at the judgment seat of God,
having been formed on an acquaintance of thirty years. I served with him in the
Virginia legislature from 1769 to the Revolutionary war, and again a short time in
Congress, until he left us to take command of the army. During the war, and
after it, we corresponded occasionally, and in the four years of my continuance in
the office of secretary of state, our intercourse was daily, confidential, and cordial
After I retired from that office great and malignant pains were taken by our federal
monarchists, and not entirely without effect, to make him view me as a theorist,
holding French principles of government which would lead infallibly to licentious¬
ness and anarchy. And to this he listened the more easily from my known disappro¬
bation of the British treaty. I never saw him afterwards, or these malignant insinu¬
ations should have been dissipated before his just judgment as mists before the sun.
I felt, on his death, with my countrymen, that ‘verily a great man hath fallen this
day in Israel.’

“ More time and recollection would enable me to add many other traits of his
character ; but why add them to you who know him well ? and I can not justify to
myself a longer detention of your paper.

“ Vale, proprieque tuum, me esse tibi persuadeas.

“Th. Jefferson.”

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

217

in g, and their dead and wounded left as trophies to the
victors. Such were the memorable instances in which
Washington, with troops newly raised, and badly pro¬
vided with every necessary of war, struck at his veteran
and well-appointed foe when least expected, producing
the happiest influences upon the American cause, both
at home and abroad ; for it is perfectly well known that
the battle of Germantown decided the ministry of France
to form the alliance that so materially contributed to
the conclusion of the war and the consummation of our
independence.*

As the commander-in-chief, accompanied by a numer¬
ous suite, approached the vicinity of Monmouth court¬
house, f he was met by a little fifer-boy, who archly ob¬
served, “ They are all coming this way, your honor.”
“ Who are coming, my little man,” asked General Knox.
“ Why, our boys, your honor, our boys, and the British
right after them,” replied the little musician. “ Impossi¬
ble,” exclaimed Washington! And giving the spur to
his charger, proceeded at full gallop to an eminence a
short distance ahead. There, to his extreme pain and
mortification, it was discovered that the boy’s intelligence
was but too true. The very elite of the American army,

* This battle had a powerful influence, no doubt, but the conquest over the army
of Burgoyne, it must be acknowledged, was far more potent. That conquest, and
the general failure of the campaign of 1777, produced a marked sensation upon the
legislature and the common, mind of Great Britain, and a great majority of the peo¬
ple and a powerful minority in Parliament, were clamorous for peace and reconcili¬
ation. Even Lord North, who had so long, as prime minister of England, treated
the Americans with scorn, proposed, soon after hearing of the surrender of Burgoyne,
a repeal of all the acts of Parliament obnoxious to the Americans, which had been
enacted since 1763 ! But in this the minister was not sincere, and these propositions
were called “ deceptionary bills,” in America.

t This was situated at the present village of Freehold, the capital of Monmouth
county, New Jersey.

218

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

five thousand picked officers and men, were in full re¬
treat, closely pursued by the enemy * The first inquiry

* General Clinton lay near Monmouth courthouse, on the night of the twenty-seventh
of June. The next day he would reach the heights of Middletown, when his strength
would thereby be greatly increased. Washington determined to attack him the
moment he should commence his march. Lafayette was then at Englishtown, a few
miles in the rear of the enemy, to watch Sir Henry's movements. General Lee was
sent with two brigades to join Lafayette, and, as senior officer, to take the general
command of the whole division designed for making the first attack. At the same
time, the main body, under Washington, encamped within three miles of English¬
town. Lee was ordered to make an attack when Sir Henry should attempt to move.

Before daylight, on the morning of the twenty-eighth of June, several other
American corps were in motion toward the flank and rear of the enemy, and by
eight o’clock, the whole British army had taken up its line of march. Lee, with four
thousand troops, exclusive of Morgan’s riflemen, and the Jersey militia, pressed for¬
ward under cover of a forest to an open field, and formed his line for action, while
Wayne was detailed with seven hundred men and two pieces of artillery, to attack
the covering parties in the rear of the enemy. A little after nine, while Wayne was
prosecuting his attack with vigor, he received an order from Lee to make only a
feigned attack, and not push on too precipitately. Wayne was disappointed, irri¬
tated, and chagrined, for he felt that his commander had plucked the palm of victory
from his hand ; but, like a true soldier, he obeyed, hoping Lee would recover what
he had evidently lost. But in this, too, he was disappointed. Clinton had changed
front, and a large body of his cavalry approached cautiously toward the right of Lee’s
troops. Lafayette thought this a fine opportunity to gain the rear of Clinton’s divi¬
sion, and riding quickly up to Lee, asked permission to make the attempt. “ Sir,”
replied Lee, “ you do not know British soldiers ; we can not stand against them ; we
shall certainly be driven back at first, and we must be cautious.” Lafayette was
disposed to make the trial, and Lee partially complied. He then weakened Wayne’s
division by drawing off three companies to the support of the right. Soon after this,
by Lee’s order, a general retreat commenced, without any apparent cause. The
British pursued ; a panic seized the Americans, and they fled in great confusion.
These were the fugitives met by Washington. The chief was surprised and exasper¬
ated, and on this occasion, his feelings completely controlled his judgment for a
moment. When he met Lee, he exclaimed in fierce tones, “ What is the meaning
of all this, sir ?”

Lee hesitated a moment, when, according to Lafayette, the aspect of Washington
became terrible, and he again demanded — “I desire to know the meaning of this
disorder and confusion !”

The fiery Lee, stung by Washington’s manner, made an angry reply, when the
chief, unable to control himself, called him “a damned poltroon.” “This,” said
Lafayette, when relating the circumstance to Governor Tompkins, in 1824, while on
his visit to this country, “ was the only time I ever heard General Washington swear.”

Lee attempted a hurried explanation, and after a few more angry words between

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

219

of the chief was for Major-General Lee, who commanded
the advance, and who soon appeared, when a warm con¬
versation ensued, that ended by the major-general being
ordered to the rear. During this interview, an incident
of rare and chivalric interest occurred. Lieutenant-
Colonel Hamilton, aid to the general-in-chief, leaped from
his horse, and, drawing his sword, addressed the general
with — “ We are betrayed ; your excellency and the army
are betrayed, and the moment has arrived when every
true friend of America and her cause must be ready to die
in their defence.”* Washington, charmed with the gen¬
erous enthusiasm of his favorite aid, yet deemed the same
ill-timed, and pointing to the colonel’s horse that was
cropping the herbage, unconscious of the great scene en¬
acting around him, calmly observed, “ Colonel Hamilton,
you will take your horse.”

The general-in-chief now set himself in earnest about
restoring the fortunes of the day. He ordered Colonel
Stewart and Lieutenant-Colonel Ramsay, with their regi¬
ments, to check the advance of the enemy, which service
was gallantly performed - while the general, in person,
proceeded to form his second line. He rode, on the
morning of the twenty-eighth of June, and for that time

them, Washington departed to form his line. Then riding back to Lee in calmer
mind, he said, “ Will you retain the command on this height or not"? If you will, I
will return to the main body, and have it formed on the next height.”

Lee replied, “ It is equal to me where I command.”

“ I expect you will take proper means for checking the enemy,” said Washington.

“ Your orders shall be obeyed,” rejoined Lee; “and I shall not be the first to
leave the ground.”

After the battle, Lee wrote insulting letters to Washington. He was arraigned
before a court-martial, because of his conduct on the twenty-eighth, and was sus¬
pended from all command, for one year.

* This is explained in a future chapter of these Recollections, which is entitled,

‘ Mysteries of the Revolution.”

220

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

only during the war, a white charger, that had been pre¬
sented to him.* From the over-powering heat of the
day, and the deep and sandy nature of the soil, the
spirited horse sank under his rider, and expired on the
spot. The chief was instantly remounted upon a chest¬
nut blood-mare, with a flowing mane and tail, of Arabian
breed, which his servant Billy was leading. It was
upon this beautiful animal, covered with foam, that the
American general flew along the line, cheering the sol¬
diers in the familiar and endearing language ever used
by the officer to the soldier of the Revolution, of “ Stand
fast, my boys , and receive your enemy ; the southern troops
are advancing to support you.”

The person of Washington, always graceful, dignified,
and commanding, showed to peculiar advantage when
mounted ; it exhibited, indeed, the very beau ideal of a
perfect cavalier. The good Lafayette, during his last
visit to America, delighted to discourse of the “ times
that tried men’s souls.”f From the venerated friend of
our country we derived a most graphic description of
Washington and the field of battle. Lafayette said,
66 At Monmouth I commanded a division, and, it may be
supposed, I was pretty well occupied ; still I took time,
amid the roar and confusion of the conflict, to admire
our beloved chief, who, mounted on a splendid charger,
rode along the ranks amid the shouts of the soldiers,

* This fine horse was presented to Washington, by Governor William Livingston,
of New Jersey, after the chief had crossed the Delaware into his state.

t This now trite expression, originated with Thomas Paine, author of Common
Sense, The Crisis, etc. He commenced his second number of The Crisis, written in
December, 1776, as follows: “ These are the times that try men’s souls.
The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the ser¬
vice of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the thanks of man and

woman.

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

221

cheering them by his voice and example, and restoring
to our standard the fortunes of the fight. I thought
then as now,” continued Lafayette, “ that never had I
beheld so superb a man”

Among the incidents of this memorable day may be
considered, on the part of the British, the death of the
Honorable Colonel Monckton, a brother of Earl Galway.
It is said this gallant and accomplished officer had greatly
injured his fortune by the dissipations incident to a long
sojourn in city quarters, and that, in consequence, he ex¬
posed himself recklessly on the twenty-eighth of June.
He was much regretted in the British army.*

On the part of the Americans, the fate of the young
and brave Captain Fauntleroy, of the Virginia line, was

* The flying Americans were checked by Washington, and were soon formed into
battle order, and led into action. The battle became general. It was one of the hottest
days on record, and many, on both sides, died from the effects of the heat. The
British grenadiers, the finest corps in the army, -were commanded by Colonel
Monckton. They had been repulsed several times by Wayne, and Monckton de¬
termined to drive him from his strong position. He advanced silently, and when
near enough for the purpose, he waved his sword, shouting, “ On my brave grenadiers
to the charge !” and at their head rushed forward with impetuosity. A terrible
volley from Wayne’s artillery swept the ranks of the foe, and Monckton fell, mortally
wounded. Over his body the warriors fought desperately, until the Americans
secured it and bore it to the rear.

Monckton was a gallant officer. He was a lieutenant-colonel in the battle of Long
Island, where he was shot through the body. On the day after the battle at Mon¬
mouth, his remains were deposited in the burial-ground of the Freehold meeting¬
house, near the west end of the building. The only monument that marked his
grave a few years ago, when I visited the spot, was a plain board, painted red, on
which were drawn, in black letters, the words : —

“ HIC JACET.

COL. MONCKTON,

KILLED, 28 JUNE,

1778.

W. E. W.”

This was erected by a worthy Scotch schoolmaster, named William R. Wilson.
An engraving of it, and also of the meetinghouse, may be found in Lossing’s Field-
Book of the Revolution.

222 RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

remarkable. He was on horseback, at a well near a farm¬
house, waiving his turn, while the fainting soldiers, con¬
sumed by a thirst arising from their exertions on the
hottest day supposed ever to have occurred in America,
were rushing with frantic cries, to the well, imploring
for water. The captain, with the point of his sword rest-
ing on his boot, his arm leaning on the pommel, con¬
tinued to waive his turn, when a cannon-shot, bounding
down the lane that led to the farmhouse, struck the un¬
fortunate officer near the hip, and hurled him to the
ground a lifeless corse. The lamented Fauntleroy was
descended from one of the old and highly-respected fami¬
lies of Virginia. Leaving the comforts of home and the
delights of a large circle of friends, this gallant young
soldier repaired to the standard of his country early in
the campaign of 1776. He was greatly respected in his
grade, and his untimely fate was deeply mourned in the
American army.

Heedless of the remonstrances and entreaties of his
officers, the commander-in-chief exposed his person to
every danger throughout the action of the twenty-eighth
of June. The night before the battle of Monmouth, a
party of the general officers assembled, and resolved upon
a memorial to the chief, praying that he would not ex¬
pose his person in the approaching conflict. His high
and chivalric daring and contempt for danger at the
battle of Princeton, and again at Germantown, where his
officers seized the bridle of his horse, made his friends
the more anxious for the preservation of a life so dear to
all, and so truly important to the success of the common
cause. It was determined that the memorial should be
presented by Doctor Craik, the companion-in-arms of

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH. 223

Colonel Washington in the war of 1755; but Craik at
once assured the memorialists that, while their petition
would be received as a proof of their affectionate regard
for their general’s safety, it would not weigh a feather
in preventing the exposure of his person, should the day
go against them, and the presence of the chief become
important at the post of danger. Doctor Craik then re¬
lated the romantic and imposing incident of the old
Indian’s prophecy, as it occurred on the banks of the
Ohio in 1770, observing that, bred, as he himself was, in
the rigid discipline of the Kirk of Scotland, he possessed
as little superstition as any one, but that really there
was a something in the air and manner of an old savage
chief delivering his oracle amid the depths of the forest,
that time or circumstance would never erase from his
memory, and that he believed with the tawny prophet
of the wilderness, that their beloved Washington was the
spiritrprotected being described by the savage, that the
enemy could not kill him, and that wThile he lived the
glorious cause of American Independence would never
die.*

On the following day, while the commander-in-chief,
attended by his officers, were reconnoitring the enemy
from an elevated part of the field, a round-shot from the
British artillery struck but a little way from his horse’s
feet, throwing up the earth over his person, and then
bounding harmlessly away. The Baron Steuben, shrug¬
ging up his shoulders, exclaimed, “ Dat wash very near,”
while Doctor Craik, pleased with this confirmation of his
faith in the Indian’s prophecy, nodded to the officers who
composed the party of the preceding evening, and then,

* See chapter entitled, “Indian Prophecy.”

224

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

pointing to Heaven, seemed to say, in the words of the
savage prophet, “ The Great Spirit protects him ; he can
not die in battle.”

A ludicrous occurrence varied the incidents of the
twenty-eighth of June. The servants of the general
officers were usually well-armed and mounted. Will
Lee, or Billy, the former huntsman, and favorite body-
servant of the chief, a square muscular figure, and capital
horseman, paraded a corps of valets, and, riding pomp¬
ously at their head, proceeded to an eminence crowned
by a large sycamore-tree, from whence could be seen an
extensive portion of the field of battle. Here Billy
halted, and, having unslung the large telescope that he
always carried in a leathern case, with a martial air ap¬
plied it to his eye, and reconnoitred the enemy * Wash¬
ington having observed these manoeuvres of the corps
of valets, pointed them out to his officers, observing,
“See those fellows collecting on yonder height; the
enemy will fire on them to a certainty.” Meanwhile
the British were not unmindful of the assemblage on the
height, and perceiving a burly figure well-mounted, and
with a telescope in hand, they determined to pay their
respects to the group. A shot from a six-pounder passed
through the tree, cutting away the limbs, and producing
a scampering among the corps of valets, that caused even
the grave countenance of the general-in-chief to relax
into a smile.

Nor must we omit, among our incidents of the battle
of Monmouth, to mention the achievement of the famed
Captain Molly, a nom de guerre given to the wife of a

* The telescope is in possession (1859) of the Washington family, and has always
been a conspicuous object upon the wall of the great passage at Mount Vernon.

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

225

matross in Proctor’s artillery. At one of the guns of
Proctor’s battery, six men had been killed or wounded.
It was deemed an unlucky gun, and murmurs arose that
it should be drawn back and abandoned. At this juncture,
while Captain Molly was serving some water for the re¬
freshment of the men, her husband received a shot in the
head, and fell lifeless under the wheels of the piece. The
heroine threw down the pail of water, and crying to her
dead consort, “ Lie there my darling while I revenge ye,”
grasped the ramrod the lifeless hand of the poor fellow
had just relinquished, sent home the charge, and called
to the matrosses to prime and fire. It was done. Then
entering the sponge into the smoking muzzle of the can¬
non, the heroine performed to admiration the duties of
the most expert artilleryman, while loud shouts from the
soldiers rang along the line. The doomed gun was no
longer deemed unlucky, and the fire of the battery be¬
came more vivid than ever. The Amazonian fair one
kept to her post till night closed the action, when she
was introduced to General Greene, who, complimenting
her upon her courage and conduct, the next morning
presented her to the commander-in-chief. Washington
received her graciously, gave her a piece of gold, and as¬
sured her that her services should not be forgotten.

This remarkable and intrepid woman survived the
Revolution, never for an instant laying aside the appella¬
tion she had so nobly won, and levying contributions
upon both civil and military, whenever she recounted the
tale of the doomed gun, and the famed Captain Molly at
the battle of Monmouth.*

* Molly was a sturdy young camp-follower, only twenty-two years of age, and, in
devotion to her husband, she illustrated the character of her countrywomen of “the

226

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

On the night of the memorable conflict, Washington
laid down in his cloak under a tree, in the midst of his
brave soldiers. About midnight, an officer approached
cautiously, fearful of awakening him, when the chief
called out, “ Advance, sir, and deliver your errand. I lie
here to think and not to sleep”

In the morning the American army prepared to renew
the conflict, but the enemy had retired during the night,
leaving their dead and many of their wounded to the
care of the victors.* Morgan’s mountaineers pursued on

Emerald isle.” When her husband fell, and there appeared to be no one to take his
place at the gun, the officer in command ordered it to be removed. Then she took
her husband’s place, as related in the text. Washington conferred upon her the
commission of a sergeant, which her husband held, and by his recommendation her
name was placed upon the list of half-pay officers, for life. Sergeant Molly left the army
soon after the battle of Monmouth, and made her abode in the Hudson Highlands,
near Fort Clinton, where, during the attack upon that fortress the previous autumn,
she had displayed her heroism. She was there with her husband. When the British
scaled the ramparts, he dropped his match and fled. Molly caught it up, touched
off the piece, and then scampered away with the rest of the garrison. She fired the
last gun at Fort Clinton. The venerable widow of General Hamilton told me that
she had often seen Sergeant Molly, who was generally called captain. She described
her as a stout, red-haired, freckled-faced young Irish woman, with a handsome,
piercing eye. The French officers, charmed with the story of her bravery, made her
many presents. She would sometimes pass along the French lines, when they were
in Westchester county, with her cocked hat, and get it almost filled with silver
crowns. She wore a hybrid costume after the war — the petticoat of her sex, with
an artilleryman’s uniform over it. This woman died near Fort Montgomery, a
victim to the indulgence of licentiousness. Art and Romance have confounded her
with another character, Moll Pitcher.

* Sir Henry Clinton dared not risk another engagement. Both parties lay upon
their arms during the evening after the battle. The Americans slept until morning ;
but the British commenced moving silently away from the field at midnight. Sir
Henry Clinton was unwilling to give the impression that he made the movement by
stealth, so he wrote to the ministry, saying, “ Having reposed the troops until ten at
night, to avoid the excessive heat of the day, I tooJc advantage of the moonlight to re¬
join General Iinyphausen, who had advanced to Nut swamp, near Middletown.”
This assertion caused much merriment in America, because, according to Poor
Will’s Almanac, published in Philadelphia by Joseph Cruikshank, it was new moon
on the twenty-fourth of June, and on the night of the battle was only four days old

BATTLE OF MONMOUTH.

227

their trail, and made some captures, particularly the
coach of a general officer.

The British grand army embarked for Staten Island.
The number, order, and regularity of the boats, and the
splendid appearance of the troops, rendered this embark¬
ation one of the most brilliant and imposing spectacles
of the Bevolutionary war.*

Congress passed a unanimous vote of thanks to the
general-in-chief, his officers and soldiers, for the prompt-

and set at fifty-five minutes past ten. Trumbull, in his M'Fingal, thus alludes to
the circumstance : —

u He forms his camp with great parade,

While evening spreads the world in shade,

Then still, like some endangered spark,

Steals off on tiptoe in the dark ;

Yet writes his king in boasting tone,

How grand he marched by light of moon !

Go on, great general, nor regard
The scoff’s of every scribbling bard,

Who sings how gods, that fearful night,

Aided, by miracle, your flight ;

As once they used in Homer’s day,

To help weak heroes run away ;

Tells how the hours, at this sad trial,

Went back, as erst on Ahaz’s dial,

While British Joshua stayed the moon
On Monmouth’s plain for Ajalon.

Heed not their sneers or gibes so arch,

Because she set before your march.”

* The Americans were ignorant of the departure of the enemy until dawn, when
they were three hours on their way toward the shore. Washington considered pur¬
suit to be fruitless, for his men were greatly fatigued, the heat was excessive, the
soil was loose sand, and very little water could be found. Earl Howe’s fleet was
then lying in the waters between Staten Island and Sandy Hook, and on board of
these vessels Sir Henry’s troops were conveyed in boats from the latter port, on the
thirtieth, and he escaped to New York. Washington marched his army to Bruns¬
wick, and thence to the Hudson river, which he crossed at King’s ferry, just below
the Highlands, and encamped near White Plains, in Westchester county.

228

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

ness of their march from Valley Forge, and their surprise
and defeat of the enemy ; and a feu dejoie was fired by the
whole American army for the victory of Monmouth.*

* On the seventh of July, the continental Congress adopted the following resolu¬
tions : —

“Resolved unanimously , That the thanks of Congress be given to General Washing¬
ton for the activity with which he marched from the camp at Valley Forge in pur¬
suit of the enemy ; for his distinguished exertions in forming the line of battle ; and
for his great good conduct in leading on the attack and gaining the important victory
of Monmouth over the British grand army, under the command of General Sir Henry
Clinton, in their march from Philadelphia to New York.

“ Resolved , That General Washington be directed to signify the thanks of Congress
to the gallant officers and men under his command, who distinguished themselves
by their conduct and valor at the battle of Monmouth.”

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

229

CHAPTER VI.

THE SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

De Grasse expected prom the West Indies — Intended Attack upon New York — The
Enterprise abandoned — March op the Allied Armies for Virginia — Sir Henry
Clinton and Lord Cornwallis — Washington’s intercepted Letter — Arrival op
Count de Grasse— Lafayette’s Generosity — Washington and Count de Eochambeau
in Virginia — Visit to the Ville de Paris — Anecdote — Anticipated Trouble —
Naval Battle — Approach op Allied Troops to Yorktown — The Siege of York-
town — Incidents op the Siege — Washington exposed to Danger — A Soldier’s Ap¬
peal — Patriotism op Governor Nelson — Cornwallis’s Headquarters — Foolish Dar¬
ing op an Officer — News op the Surrender op Cornwallis — Cornwallis’s Attempt
to Escape — The Surrender op the British Army — Washington’s War-horse — Corn¬
wallis at Washington’s Table — Colonel Tarleton Humiliated — Sickness at York¬
town— Death op John Parke Custis — Washington’s Grief and Kindness.*

The campaign of 1781 was considerably advanced,
without any decided advantages to the combined armies,
when the chevalier de Barras, the commander of the
French naval forces at Khode Island,* announced to Gen-

* This chapter was first published in the National Intelligencer , on the nineteenth
of October, 1840.

f On the sixth of February, 1778, France formally acknowledged the Indepen¬
dence of the United States, and entered into an alliance with them by solemn treaty.
A French fleet was immediately fitted out at Toulon, and sent to aid the Americans,
under the command of the Count D’Estaing. His performances on our coasts dis¬
appointed the Americans. The Marquis de Lafayette, then serving in the armies of
the United States, procured leave of absence for one year, returned to France, and
by great personal efforts, induced the king to send a much more powerful and sub¬
stantial aid to the Americans, in the form of a strong naval and military force, arms,
ammunition, and money. Admiral de Ternay was appointed commander of the
fleet, and the Count de Eochambeau the leader of the land forces. The French fleet
appeared off the coasts of Virginia, on the fourth of July, 1780, and on the evening
of the tenth entered Newport harbor. There the fleet and army retained their head¬
quarters until the following year, and were comparatively inactive. Admiral Ternay

230

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

eral Washington that the Count de Grasse would sail
from the West Indies, with a powerful fleet and three
thousand troops, on the third of August, and might be
expected in the Chesapeake about the first of September.
Upon the receipt of this agreeable intelligence, the allies
lost no time in preparing for the investiture of New
York ; the Americans approaching gradually toward the
city, and the French from Newport, the two armies
forming a junction at Dobbs’s ferry, on the Hudson.*
Large bodies of troops were moved toward Staten Island,
the first object of attack;*)* extensive magazines were
collected, ovens built, J and everything indicating that
the fleet alone was wanting to commence the siege in
earnest, when, in the midst of these demonstrations, the
combined armies suddenly decamped, and masking New
York, proceeded in full march for the South.

The reasons that induced Washington thus to change
the scene of his operations were, some of them, governed

had died soon after its arrival, and was buried with distinguished honors in Trinity
churchyard, at Newport, and Admiral de Barras, mentioned in the text, became his
successor in the command, the following spring.

* Dobbs’s ferry is about twenty-two miles from the city of New York. There the
combined armies of the United States and France first met. Washington, hoping
to secure the co-operation of the Count de Grasse, with a French fleet then in the
West Indies, had conceived a plan for attacking the headquarters of the British
army at New York. He held an interview with Rochambeau, at Hartford, late in
May, and an arrangement was made for the French army to march to Hudson’s
river as speedily as possible, and form a junction with the Americans encamped
there. Four thousand fresh troops were soon in motion, and reached the Hudson,
near Dobbs’s ferry, early in July.

t Staten Island, between which and the city of New York, is the fine bay and
harbor of New York, was an important point in the programme of operations against
the enemy. There many of the British troops were encamped, and its heights com¬
manded every opening to the sea.

t The remains of these ovens were to be seen in some places in that vicinity ;
until within a very recent period.

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

231

by circumstances beyond his control, especially as re¬
garded the co-operation of the French naval forces. The
Count de Grasse preferred the Chesapeake to the bay of
New York, as being better suited to his large vessels,
while the admiral, being limited in his remaining in the
American waters to a certain and an early day, could
most conveniently render his assistance in the South.*
This, together with other and imposing considerations,
induced the American general, while continuing to
threaten Sir Henry Clinton, to strike at Cornwallis in
Virginia.*

Sir Henry Clinton, aware that a powerful French fleet
was destined for the American coast, and presuming that,
upon its arrival, a combined attack would be made upon
New York, ordered Earl Cornwallis, then pursuing his
victorious career in Virginia, to fall down upon the tide¬
water, and, after selecting a spot where he could con¬
veniently embark a part of his troojDS to reinforce his

* When the determination of the Count de Grasse was made known to Washing¬
ton, he was sorely disappointed, for the recapture of New York seemed to be cer¬
tainly promised, if the admiral’s co-operation could be had. Washington was then
at the house of Van Brugh Livingston, at Dobbs’s ferry, and Robert Morris, then
superintendent of finance, and Richard Peters, secretary of the board of war, were
present. The cloud of disappointment upon Washington’s brow remained only for
a moment. He received the despatch from De Barras, mentioned in the first para¬
graph of this chapter, and he instantly conceived an expedition against Cornwallis,
in Virginia. Turning to Peters, he asked, “ What can you do for me V’ — “ With
money, everything, without it nothing,” was his brief reply, at the same time turning
an anxious look toward Morris. “ Let me know the sum you desire,” said the
patriotic financier, comprehending the expression of his eye. Before noon Washing¬
ton had completed his estimates, and arrangements were made with Morris for the
funds. Twenty thousand hard dollars were loaned from Count de Rochambeau,
which Mr. Morris agreed to replace by the first of October. The arrival of Colonel
Laurens from France, on the twenty-fifth of August, with two millions and a half of
livres, a part of a donation of six millions by Louis XIV. to the United States,
enabled the superintendent of finance to fulfil his engagement, without difficulty.

232

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

commander-in-chief, to entrench the remainder, and await
further orders.* But the sudden and unexpected march
of the ■combined armies to the South entirely changed
the aspects of military affairs. It was now the earl, and
not Sir Henry, that required reinforcement, and Sir
Henry again writing to his lordship, bade him strengthen
his position at Yorktown, promising him the immediate
aid of both land and naval forces.*)*

Meantime, Washington had written a letter to the
Marquis de Lafayette, then in Virginia, which he caused

* At the close of 1780, Benedict Arnold, the traitor, was in the service of his
royal purchaser; and at the commencement of 1781, he invaded lower Virginia with
about sixteen hundred British and Tory troops. He penetrated as far as Peters-
burgh, where he was joined by Lord Cornwallis, in May. The earl took command
of all the British forces then in Virginia, who were opposed by a considerable army
under Lafayette. He attempted the subjugation of the state, and penetrated the
country into Hanover county, beyond Richmond, marking his pathway with the
destruction of an immense amount of property, public and private. Two other
commanders soon appeared in the field against him — General Wayne, who camo
from victorious fields in Georgia, and the Baron von Steuben. Cornwallis soon
found himself in peril, and moved slowly down the peninsula, between the York
and James rivers, followed by Lafayette, Wayne, and Steuben.

At Williamsburg, Cornwallis received the order from Sir Henry Clinton alluded
to in the text, and, aware that he would be too weak after complying with it, to
withstand the Americans, he crossed the James river, at old Jamestown, after a skir¬
mish with the republicans under Wayne, and proceeded to Portsmouth, opposite
Norfolk. Disliking that situation, he went to Yorktown, on the York river, and
commenced fortifying that place, and Gloucester Point, opposite.

t The combined armies, after remaining about six weeks at Dobbs’s ferry, crossed
the Hudson at Verplanck’s point, and under the general command of Lincoln,
marched by different routes toward Trenton. By deceptive military movements,
and letters that were intended to be intercepted, Washington misled Sir Henry
Clinton with the belief that an attack upon New York was still in contemplation ;
and the British commander was not undeceived until the allied armies had crossed
the Delaware, and were far on their way toward the Head of Elk. Clinton endea¬
vored to recall the republican armies, by sending Arnold to ravage the New England
coasts, and other forces to menace New Jersey and the Hudson Highlands, but in
vain. The allies made their way rapidly toward Virginia, and the earl implored
aid from Sir Henry.

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

233

to be intercepted. In the letter he remarked that he
was pleased with the probability that Earl| Cornwallis
would fortify either Portsmouth or Old Poinl Comfort,
for , tvere he to fix upon YorTdown , from its great capabilities
of defence, he might remain there snugly and unharmed,
until a superior British fleet would relieve him with
strong reinforcements, or embark him altogether.

This fated letter quieted the apprehensions of the
British commander-in-chief as to the danger of his lieu¬
tenant, and produced those delays in the operations of
Sir Henry that tended materially to the success of the
allies and the surrender of Yorktown*

The fleet of the Count de Grasse, consisting of twenty-
eight sail of the line, and a due proportion of frigates,
containing three thousand veteran troops under the
Marquis de St. Simon, anchored in the Chesapeake on the
thirtieth of August.^ The frigates were immediately

* Washington wrote other similar letters. The bearer of one of these was a young
Baptist clergyman, named Montagnie, an ardent whig, who was directed by Wash¬
ington to carry a despatch to Morristown. He directed the messenger to cross the
river at King’s ferry, proceed by Havers traw to the Ramapo clove, and through the
pass to Morristown. Montagnie, knowing the Ramapo pass to be in possession of
the cow-boys and other friends of the enemy, ventured to suggest to the commander-
in-chief that the upper road would be the safest. “ I shall be taken/’ he said, “ if I
go through the clove.” “ Your duty, young man, is not to talk, but to obey !” re¬
plied Washington, sternly, enforcing his words by a vigorous stamp of his foot.
Montagnie proceeded as directed, and, near the Ramapo pass, was caught. A few
days afterward he was sent to New York, where he was confined in the Sugar-House,
one of the famous provost prisons in the city. The day after his arrival, the con¬
tents of the despatches taken from him were published in Rivington’s Gazette with
great parade, for they indicated a plan of an attack upon the city. The enemy was
alarmed thereby, and active preparations were put in motion for receiving the be¬
siegers. Montagnie now perceived why he was so positively instructed to go through
the Ramapo pass, where himself and despatches werefijpiite sure to be seized. —
Lossing’s Field-Book of the Revolution, i. 781, note.

t Francois Joseph Paul, Count de Grasse, a native o£ France, was born in 1723.
He was appointed to command a French fleet, to co-operate with the Americans at
the beginning of 1781. Although he was the junior, in service, of Count de Barras,

234

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

employed in conveying the troops up the James river,
where they were landed, and reinforced the army of La¬
fayette, who then commanded in Virginia. An instance
of virtue and magnanimity that occurred at this period
of our narrative adorns the fame and memory of La¬
fayette.

Upon the arrival of the French land and naval forces
in our waters, their commanders said to Lafayette:
66 Now, marquis, now is your time ; a wreath of never-
fading laurel is within your grasp ! Fame bids you seize
it. With the veteran regiments of St. Simon, and your
own continentals, you have five thousand ; to these add
a thousand marines, and a thousand seamen, to be landed
from the fleet, making seven thousand good soldiers,
which, with your militia, give you an aggregate exceed¬
ing ten thousand men. With these, storm the enemy’s
works while they are yet in an unfinished state, and be¬
fore the arrival of the combined armies you will end the
war, and acquire an immortal renown.” — “Believe me,
my dear sir,” said the good Lafayette, during his visit in
America, “ this was a most tempting proposal to a young
general of twenty-four, and who was not unambitious of

he was made his superior in command, with the title of lieutenant-general. His co¬
operation was much more valuable to the Americans than that of D’Estaing ; and in
the capture of Cornwallis and his army at Yorktown, he played a very important
part. His domestic relations seem to have been very unhappy, his second wife,
whom he married after leaving America, proving a very unworthy woman. His life
was a burden to him, particularly after losing the favor of his king in consequence
of an unfortunate military movement. He died early in 1788, at the age of sixty-
five years. Alluding to the unhappiness of his latter days, Washington, in a letter
to Rochambeau, April, 1788, on hearing of the death of De Grasse, said, “ His frail¬
ties should now be buried in the grave with him, while his name will be long de¬
servedly dear to this country, on account of his successful co-operation in the glori¬
ous campaign of 1781. The Cincinnati in some of the states have gone into mourn¬
ing for him.”

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

235

fame by honest means ; but insuperable reasons forbade
me from listening to the proposal for a single moment.
Our beloved general had intrusted to me a command far
above my deserts, my age, or experience in war. From
the time of my first landing in America, up to the cam¬
paign of 1781, 1 had enjoyed the attachment, nay, parent¬
al regards of the matchless chief. Could I then dare to
attempt to pluck a leaf from the laurel that was soon to
bind his honored brow — the well-earned reward of long
years of toils, anxieties, and battles ? And lastly, could
I have been assured of success in my attack, from the
known courage and discipline of the foe, that success
must have been attended by a vast effusion of human
blood.”

The commander-in-chief, accompanied by the Count
de Rochambeau, arrived at Williamsburg,* the head¬
quarters of Lafayette, on the fourteenth of September.
The general, attended by a numerous suite of American
and French officers, repaired to Hampton, j* and thence
on board the Ville de Paris , the French admiral’s ship,
lying at anchor in the chops of the Capes, to pay their

* The allied armies made their way slowly southward. For want of sufficient
vessels at the Head of Elk, where they expected to embark for a voyage down
the Chesapeake, a greater portion of the troops proceeded by land to Baltimore
and Annapolis. Washington and his suite, accompanied by the Count de Rocham¬
beau, and the Marquis de Chastellux, reached Baltimore on the eighth, Mount
Vernon on the tenth, and Williamsburg on the evening of the fourteenth. That
brief visit was the first that Washington had made to Mount Vernon since the spring
of 1775, when he left for Philadelphia, as a delegate to the continental Congress.

f Hampton is near Old Point Comfort, at the mouth of the James river, having
in front one of the finest harbors in the world, called Hampton roads, which opens
to the Chesapeake bay. Washington and his party, consisting of Lafayette, Rocham¬
beau, Knox, Harrison, Hamilton, and others, sailed for the Ville de Paris, in a small
vessel called the Queen Charlotte , and arrived on board on the eighteenth of Sep¬
tember. They were greeted with a salute of thirteen guns, and welcomed to an
entertainment prepared in haste, but with great taste.

236

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

respects to the Count de Grasse, and consult with him as
to their future operations.

On the American chiefs reaching the quarter-deck,
the admiral flew to embrace him, imprinting the French
salute upon each cheek. Hugging him in his arms, he
exclaimed, “My dear little general l” De Grasse was of
lofty stature ; but the term petit, or small, when applied
to the majestic and commanding person of Washington,
produced an effect upon the risible faculties of all present
not to be described. The Frenchmen, governed by the
rigid etiquette of the ancien regime , controlled their mirth
as best they could; but our own jolly Knox, heedless
of all rules, laughed, and that aloud, till his fat sides
shook again.

Washington returned from this conference by no
means satisfied with its result. The admiral was ex¬
tremely restless at anchor while his enemy’s fleet kept the
sea ; and having orders limiting his stay in the American
waters to a certain and that not distant day, he was de¬
sirous of putting to sea to block up the enemy’s fleet in
the basin of New York, rather than to run the risk of
being himself blockaded in the bay of the Chesapeake.

Washington urged De Grasse to remain, because his
departure, he said, (C by affording an opening for the suc¬
cor of York, which the enemy would instantly avail
themselves of, would frustrate our brilliant prospects;
and the consequence would be, not only the disgrace
and loss of renouncing an enterprise, upon which the
fairest expectations of the allies have been founded, after
the most expensive preparations, but perhaps disbanding
the whole army for want of provisions.”

Washington now despatched Lafayette on a secret

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

237

mission to the count; and never, in the whole course
of the Revolutionary contest, were the services of that
friend of America of more value to her cause than in the
present instance.

The all-commanding influence of Lafayette at this
period, not only with the French court, of which he
was the idol, but with the whole people of France ; his
powerful family connections with the high noblesse , par¬
ticularly the distinguished family of De Noailles f all
these considerations enabled Lafayette to throw himself
as a shield between the Count de Grasse and any blame
that might be attached to him at home for yielding to
the views and wishes of the American chief.

The marquis prevailed, and he soon returned to head¬
quarters with the gratifying intelligence that the ad¬
miral had consented to remain at his anchors (unless a
British fleet should appear off the capes), and would
send a part of his vessels higher up the bay, the better
to complete the investiture of Yorktown.

The fate of De Grasse and the Ville de Paris is well
known to history. That magnificent ship was a present
from the city of Paris to the French king. She rated
one hundred and ten guns, and thirteen hundred men.
It is said that on her arrival in the Chesapeake,
flowers and tropical plants were interspersed upon her
quarter-deck, amid the engines of war ; while her sides,
covered with bright varnish, gave to this superb vessel a
most brilliant and imposing appearance. On the memo¬
rable twelfth of April, 1782, De Grasse, deserted by some

* Lafayette married the Countesse Anastasie de Noailles, daughter of the Duke
de Noailles, a young lady possessed of an immense fortune in her own right. The
Duke de Noailles was a member of one of the oldest and most influential families
in France.

238

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

of his captains, his own ship totally dismasted, a large
proportion of his officers and crew killed or wounded,
nobly maintained the unequal contest, and refused to
yield to any ship carrying less than an admiral’s flag *
At length the Barfleur of ninety-eight guns, Sir Samuel
Hood, ranging alongside, the colors of France were
lowered on the poop of as bravely-defended a vessel as
hath adorned the annals of the French marine, either
before or since. Let those who would put their trust in
princes, mark the fate of gallant De Grasse. When he
struck, but three men remained alive on the quarter¬
deck of the Ville de Paris , one of whom was the admiral ;
yet, on his return to his native country, the king, whose
colors he had so nobly defended, turned with coldness
from the unfortunate brave, leaving him to languish in
retirement and disgrace. How different wTas the conduct
of the enemies of De Grasse, the English sailors, who, on
the arrival of their prisoner at Portsmouth, hoisted him on
their shoulders , and honoring high courage in misfortune,
carried him in triumph to his lodgings, bidding him adieu,
with three hearty cheers. It is thus the brave should
honor the brave.

On the fifth of September, Admiral Graves, with nine™
teen sail-of-the-line, appeared off the capes of Virginia.*)-

* The Ville de Paris had been reduced to almost a wreck by the Canada, com¬
manded by Captain Cornwallis, brother of Lord Cornwallis, who seemed determined
to avenge his kinsman’s fate at Yorktown. This severe naval battle, under the gen¬
eral command of Admiral Rodney, occurred in the West Indies. The English were
victorious. But several of their prizes were lost in hurricanes that ensued. Four of
the French ships captured on the twelfth of April, namely, the Ville de Paris, Cen¬
taur, Glorieux, and Hector, and an English-built ship-of-the-line, the Ramillies, all
foundered at sea while employed in giving convoy to a great fleet of West Indiamen.

t Admiral Rodney, commander of the British fleet in the West Indies, aware that
De Grasse had sailed for the American coast, sent Sir Samuel Hood after him with
^nly fourteen sail, not suspecting that the French admiral had taken his whole fleet

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

239

Count de Grasse immediately slipped his cables, and put
to sea with twenty-four line-of-battle ships. An engage¬
ment ensued, without material results to either side, and,
after four days of manoeuvring, the French fleet returned
to its former anchorage, the British bearing away for
New York.*

Meantime, the Chevalier de Barras had arrived, with
eight sail-of-the-line, bringing a battering-train, and an
ample supply of all the munitions necessary for the siege,
These were speedily landed up the James river, and
many delays and disappointments occurred in their
transportation to the lines before Yorktown, a distance
of six miles. Long trains of the small oxen of the coun¬
try tugged at a single gun, and it was not until the ar¬
rival of the better teams of the grand army that much
progress could be made.-j*

The combined armies, arriving at the Head of Elk,J
embarked a portion of the troops in transports ; another

&> the shores of the neighboring continent. Hood arrived at Sandy Hook at the
close of August, and gave Admiral Graves, then lying in the harbor of New York,
with five ships-of-the-line prepared for service, notice of the destination of De Grasse’s
fleet. On the same day information reached Sir Henry Clinton, that Admiral de
Barras had sailed from Newport for the Chesapeake, with a considerable squadron.
Graves, with nineteen sail, departed for the same waters, as speedily as possible.

* This naval engagement took place outside the capes of Virginia, upon the bosom
of the broad Atlantic. The engagement was partial. The hostile fleets were within
sight of each other for five successive days. The French lost in the action two hun¬
dred and twenty men, and four officers, killed and wounded. The loss of the Eng¬
lish was ninety killed and two hundred and forty-six wounded.

t Within the state-arsenal, at Richmond, Virginia, there are several French can¬
non, long, and highly wrought, and some of them a hundred years old ; also two or
three howitzers. How they came there no one can tell. Old people remember to
have seen them on the grounds of the capitol fifty years ago, but knew not how they
came there. They were probably left by the French at the siege of Yorktown, and
afterward taken up the river to Richmond.

J The narrow part of the Chesapeake bay, at it head, is called Elk river, and where
Elkton now stands, was known, at that time, as Head of Elk.

240

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

portion were embarked at Baltimore ; while the re¬
mainder pursued the route by land to Virginia — the
whole rendezvousing at Williamsburg.*

On the twenty-eighth of September the allies moved
in four columns, in order of battle, and, the outposts of
the enemy being driven in, the first parallel was com¬
menced. The work continued with such diligence that
the batteries opened on the night of the ninth of October,
and a tremendous fire of shot and shells continued with¬
out interruption. A red-hot shot from the French, who
were on the left, fell upon the Gaudaloupe and Charon ,
two British frigates. The latter, of forty-four guns, was
consumed together with three transports.^

The defences of the town were hourly sinking under
the effects of the cannonade from the American and
French batteries, when, on the night of the fourteenth, it
was determined to carry the two British redoubts on the
south, by the bayonet. For this service, detachments
were detailed from both the American and French
armies — the former under .the command of Lieutenant-
Colonel Hamilton, long the favorite aid of the commander-

* When Washington arrived at Williamsburg, and found both the French fleets
in Chesapeake bay, he sent ten transports of De Barras’s squadron to bring on the
allied forces from Maryland. The last division of the allied troops reached Williams¬
burg on the twenty-fifth of September.

t The first heavy cannonade and bombardment by the allied forces occurred on
the tenth of October. On that evening the vessels mentioned in the text, were set
on fire. Three large transports were consumed at the same time. Doctor Thacher
in his journal, page 274, says, “ From the bank of the river I had a fine view of this
splendid conflagration. The ships were enwrapped in a torrent of fire, which, spread¬
ing with vivid brightness among the combustible rigging, and running with amazing
rapidity to the tops of the several masts, while all around was thunder and lightning
from our numerous cannons and mortars, and in the darkness of night, presented
one of the most sublime and magnificent spectacles which can be imagined. Some
of our shells over-reaching the town, were seen to fall into the river, and bursting,
threw up columns of water like the spouting of the monsters of the deep.”

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

241

in-chief? but now restored to his rank and duty in the
line,* and the latter under the Baron de Viomenil.

At a given signal the detachments advanced to the
assault. As the Americans were mounting the redoubt,
Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, f aid-de-camp to the com¬
mander-in-chief, appeared suddenly on their flank, at the
head of two companies. Upon Major FishJ hailing him
with, “ Why, Laurens, what brought you here T the hero
replied, “I had nothing to do at headquarters, and so
came here to see what you all were about.55 Bravest
among the brave, this Bayard of his age and country
rushed with the foremost into the works, making with
his own hand, Major Campbell, the British commandant,
a prisoner-of-war.§ The cry of the Americans as they
mounted to the assault was, “Remember New London.”
But here, as at Stony Point, notwithstanding the provo¬
cation to retaliate was justified by the inhuman massa-

* In the preceding February a misunderstanding occurred between Washington
and Hamilton. The latter, feeling aggrieved at some words of censure spoken by
his general, promptly proposed a separation. “ Very well, sir,” said Washington,
“if it be your choice.” But within an hour he sent an aid to offer Hamilton the
olive-branch of reconciliation. But the young officer, who, for some time, had been
anxious to hold a more independent and distinguished part in the army, would
not listen to' the generous overture, and from that time he was separated from the
general’s military family, but not from his friendship.

f John Laurens, son of Henry Laurens, who was president of the continental
Congress in 1777. He was one of the most gallant young men in the army. He
was sent on a special mission to France early in 1782, to solicit a loan of money and
to procure arms. He was successful, and received the thanks of Congress,. He did
good service in the South under General Greene, and was killed on the bank of the
Combahee, while opposing marauding parties of the British, on the twenty-seventh
of August, 1782, at the age of twenty-nine years.

$ Major Nicholas Fish, of the New York line, and father of Honorable Hamilton
Fish, late governor of the state of New York.

§ Major Campbell, several inferior officers, and seventeen privates, were made
prisoners. This redoubt was on the bank of the York river. The mounds were
quite prominent when I visited the spot in the winter of 1848-9.

242

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

cres of Paoli and Fort Griswold, mercy, divine mercy,
perched triumphant on our country’s colors.*

Washington, during the whole of the siege, continued
to expose himself to every danger. It was in vain his
officers remonstrated. It was in vain that Colonel Cobb,
his aid-de-camp, entreated him to come down from a
parapet, whence he was reconnoitring the enemy’s works,
the shot and shells flying thickly around, and an officer
of the New England line killed within a very few yards.
During one of his visits to the main battery, a soldier of
Colonel Lamb’s artillery^ had his leg shattered by the

* We have already observed that Arnold was sent to ravage the New England
coasts, in order to draw the combined armies back from their march toward Virginia.
On the morning of the sixth of September, 1781, Arnold, with a considerable force,
consisting mostly of tories and Hessians, landed upon the shores of the Thames, be¬
low New London. They landed in two divisions, the one on the New London side
being commanded by Arnold in person. He proceeded to lay New London in ashes,
while, Nero-like, he stood in the belfry of a church and watched the conflagration ;
and from that elevated point he could almost see his own birthplace, at Norwich, at
the head of the river. The other division, under one of Arnold’s, subordinates, at¬
tacked Fort Griswold, at Groton, on the opposite shore, and murdered Colonel Led-
yard and most of the garrison under him, in cold blood. It was to these atrocities
that the war-cry alluded to referred. Gordon asserts, that Lafayette, with the sanc¬
tion of Washington, ordered the assailants to remember Fort Griswold , and put every
man of the redoubt to death. This order, so repugnant to the character of both
Washington and Lafayette, could never have been issued. Colonel Hamilton after¬
ward publicly denied the truth of the allegation ; so also did Lafayette.

t Colonel John Lamb was one of the most meritorious of the officers of the artil¬
lery department. He was then fifty years of age, and had been one of the earliest
of the opposers of the British government in New York, who bore the name of Lib¬
erty Boys. He was a good writer and fluent speaker, both of which accomplishments
he brought into useful requisition when the troubles with Great Britain began. In all
the commotions in his native city (New York), previous to the breaking out of the
Revolution, he was very active ; and in 1775, he received a captain’s commission in
a New York artillery corps. He accompanied Montgomery to Quebec, where, in
the siege of that city, at the close of 1775, he was severely wounded and made
prisoner. He returned to New York the ensuing summer, was promoted to major,
and became attached to the artillery regiment under Knox. From that time until
the close of the war he was in active service, when the army was in the field. He

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

243

explosion of a shell. As they were bearing him to the
rear, he recognised the chief, and cried out, “ God bless
your excellency, save me if you can, for I have been a
good soldier, and served under you during the whole
war.” Sensibly affected by the brave fellow’s appeal,
the general immediately ordered him to the particular
care of Doctor Craik. It was too late; death ter¬
minated his sufferings after an amputation was per¬
formed.

At this period of the siege occurred that sublime in¬
stance of patriotism which we have recorded in another
chapter, when Governor Nelson directed the heavy shot
and bomb-shells of the Americans to be cast upon his
own fine house, in order to dislodge British officers who
had their quarters there.

And yet how many and how endearing recollections
must have crowded upon the patriot’s mind as he thus
consigned his ancient domicil to destruction. Erected
by his forefathers, it was around its hearths that, in his
childhood, he had played.* Beneath its roof he had
reared a numerous and interesting family, and passed his
better days in dispensing the most liberal hospitality to
a large and estimable circle of relatives and friends ; all,
all were forgotten as, with Boman heroism, he bade the
batteries direct their thunders against the seat of his
happiness and his home.

afterward became a legislator in his native State ; and Washington, when he became
president of the United States, appointed him collector of customs at the port of
New York. He held that office until his death, on the thirty-first of May, 1800.

* In an old burial-ground at Yorktown, are the remains of several of the Nelson
family, covered by fine marble monuments, one of them quite costly. And the
stone house, battered by the cannon balls during the siege, is yet standing. See
biographical sketch of Governor Nelson in another chapter.

244

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The first headquarters of Earl Cornwallis were in the
house of Mr. Secretary Nelson, a relative of the gover¬
nor, and a gentleman attached to the royal cause. It
was a very large and splendid brick mansion, and tower¬
ing above the ramparts, afforded a fine mark for the
American artillery, that soon riddled it, having learned
from a deserter that it contained the British headquar¬
ters. His lordship remained in the house until his stew¬
ard was killed by a cannon-ball while carrying a tureen
of soup to his master’s table.

The British general then removed his headquarters
to the house of Governor Nelson, and finally to apart¬
ments excavated in the bank on the southern extremity
of the town, where two rooms were wainscotted with
boards, and lined with baize, for his accommodation*
It was in that cavernous abode that the earl received his
last letter from Sir Henry Clinton. It was brought by
the honorable Colonel Cochran, who, landing from an
English cutter on Cape Charles, procured an open boat,
and threading his way, under cover of a fog, through the
French fleet, arrived safely, and delivered his despatches.
They contained orders for the earl to hold out to the last
extremity, assuring him that a force of seven thousand
men would be immediately embarked for his relief.f

* No traces of this retreat can now be found. It was excavated in the bank of
rock-marl upon which the village of Yorktown stands, but has disappeared long ago.
Full a quarter of a mile above the spot, there is an excavation in the same bank, to
which strangers were directed, when I visited Yorktown a few years ago, as the veri¬
table council-chamber of Cornwallis ; but I was informed, by good authority, that
the cave I visited was made, at or before the siege, to hide valuables in. I saw
the remains of a house that had stood directly in front of it, and which must have
concealed the entrance to the cavern.

t From the first, Cornwallis appears to have doubted his ability to maintain his .
position long. When he first saw perils gathering thick around him, the French fleet

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

245

While taking wine with his lordship after dinner, the
gallant colonel proposed that he should go up to the
ramparts and take a look at the Yankees, and upon his
return give Washington’s health in a bumper. He was
dissuaded from so rash a proceeding by every one at the
table, the whole of the works being at that time in so
ruinous a state that shelter could be had nowhere. The
colonel however persisted, and gayly observing that he
would leave his glass as his representative till his return,
which would be quickly, away he went. Poor fellow, he
did return, and that quickly, but he was borne in the
arms of the soldiers, not to his glass, but his grave.

For a great distance around Yorktown the earth trem¬
bled under the cannonade, while many an anxious and
midnight watcher ascended to the housetops to listen to
the sound, and to look upon the horizon, lighted up by
the blaze of the batteries, the explosions of the shells,
and the flames from the burning vessels in the harbor.

At length, on the morning of the seventeenth, the
thundering ceased, hour after hour passed away, and the
most attentive ear could not catch another sound. What
had happened? Can Cornwallis have escaped? To
suppose he had fallen, was almost too much to hope for.
And now an intense anxiety prevails: every eye is

approaching on one hand, and the allied armies on the other, he conceived a plan of
escaping into North Carolina ; but the vigilant Lafayette prevented his flight. He
at once sent a message to Clinton for aid, and received the reply alluded to in the
text. He used every endeavor to delay, first his offer to capitulate, and then the
signing of the capitulation, hoping for aid. Washington, suspecting the reason,
would suffer no delay, and on the very day when the capitulation was signed, Clin¬
ton, with seven thousand men, left New York for the Chesapeake, convoyed by
twenty-six ships of the line, under Admiral Digby. This armament appeared off
the capes of Virginia, on the twenty-fourth of October ; but receiving unquestion¬
able intelligence of the capitulation at Yorktown, Clinton returned to New York.

246

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

turned toward the great southern road, and “ the express !
the express !” is upon every lip. Each hamlet and home¬
stead pours forth its inmates. Age is seen leaning on
his staff; women with infants at the breast; children with
wondering eyes, and tiny hands outstretched — all, all,
with breathless hopes and fears, await the courier’s com¬
ing. Ay, and the courier rode with a red spur that day ;
but had he been mounted on the wings of the wind, he
could scarcely have kept pace with the general anxiety.

At length there is a cry — He comes ! he comes !” and
merging from a cloud of dust, a horseman is seen at
headlong speed. He plies the lash and spur; covered
with foam, with throbbing flank, and nostril dilated to
catch the breeze, the generous horse devours the road,
while ever and anon the rider waves his cap, and shouts
to the eager groups that crowd his way, “ Cornwallis is
taken ! ”*

And now arose a joyous cry that made the very wel¬
kin tremble. The tories, amazed and confounded, shrunk
away to their holes and hiding-places, while the patriotic
whigs rushed into each other’s arms, and wept for glad¬
ness. And oh ! on that day of general thanksgiving and

* The accomplished Lieutenant-Colonel Tilghman, one of Washington’s aids,
was sent to Philadelphia by the chief, with despatches to the Congress, announcing
the surrender of Cornwallis. He arrived there in the night, and soon the watchmen
of the city were calling the hours, with the suffix, “ and Cornwallis is taken!” That
annunciation ringing out on the frosty night-air, aroused thousands from their slum¬
bers. Lights were soon seen moving in almost every house ; and presently the streets
were thronged with men and women, all eager to hear the details. It was a joyous
night for Philadelphia. The old state-house bell rang out its jubilant notes more
than an hour before dawn, and the first blush of morning was greeted with the boom¬
ing of cannon. The Congress assembled at an early hour, when Charles Thomson
read Washington’s despatch, and then they resolved to go in procession at two
o’clock the same day, to a temple of worship, “ and return thanks to Almighty God
for crowning the allied armies of the United States and France with success.”

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

247

praise, how many •an aspiration ascended to the Most
High, imploring blessings on him whom all time will con¬
secrate as the Father of his Country. That event was
indeed the crowning glory of the war of the Revolution ;
hostilities languished thereafter, while Independence and
empire dawned upon the destinies of America, from the
surrender at Yorktown.

After a fruitless attempt to escape, in which the ele¬
ments, as at Long Island, were on the side of America
and her cause,* on the morning of the seventeenth Corn¬
wallis beat a parley. Terms were arranged, and, on the
nineteenth, the British army laid down its arms.f

The imposing ceremony took place at two o’clock.
The American troops were drawn up on the right, and
the French on the left, of the high road leading to
Hampton. A vast crowd of persons from the adjoining
country attended to witness the ceremony.^

The captive army, in perfect order, marched in stern

* This has reference to the fog on the East river that allowed the Americans to
retreat from Brooklyn, unperceived by the enemy, after the disastrous battle near
there on the twenty-ninth of August, 1776. On the present occasion, a storm sud¬
denly arose, and prevented Cornwallis and his troops from crossing the York river
to Gloucester, in boats which had been prepared for the purpose. His plan was to
withdraw in that way from Yorktown, in the night, by rapid marches gain the
forks of the Rappahannock and Potomac, and forcing his way through Maryland,
Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, form a junction with the British army under Clinton,
in New York.

t The siege had continued thirteen days. The British lost during the siege one
hundred and fifty-six killed, three hundred and twenty-six wounded, and seventy
missing. The whole number surrendered by capitulation was a little more than
seven thousand. Besides these, there were sailors, negroes, and tories, who became
prisoners, making the whole number between eleven and twelve thousand.

| It has been estimated that the number of spectators of the ceremony of sur¬
render, was quite equal to that of the military. Universal silence prevailed as the
vanquished troops slowly marched out of their intrenchments, with their colors
cased and their drums beating a British tune, and passed between the columns of
the combined armies.

248

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

and solemn silence between the lines. All eyes were
turned toward the head of the advancing column. Corn¬
wallis, the renowned, the dreaded Cornwallis, was the
object that thousands longed to behold. He did not
appear, but sent his sword by General O’Hara, with an
apology for his non-appearance on account of indispo¬
sition. It was remarked that the British soldiers looked
only toward the French army on the left, whose appear¬
ance was assuredly more brilliant than that of the Amer¬
icans, though the latter were respectable in both their
clothing and appointments, while their admirable dis¬
cipline and the hardy and veteran appearance of both
officers and men showed they were no “ carpet knights,”
but soldiers who had seen service and were inured to
war.

Lafayette, at the head of his division, observing that
the captives confined their admiration exclusively to the
French army, neglecting his darling light-infantry, the
very apple of his eye and pride of his heart, determined
to bring “ eyes, to the right.” He ordered his music to
strike up Yankee Doodle : “Then,” said the good general,
“ they did look at us, my dear sir, but were not very well
pleased.”

When ordered to ground arms, the Hessian was con¬
tent. He was tired of the war ; his pipe and his patience
pretty well exhausted, he longed to bid adieu to toilsome
marches, battles, and the heat of the climate that con¬
sumed him. Not so the British soldier* many threw
their arms to the ground in sullen despair. One fine
veteran fellow displayed a soldierly feeling that excited
the admiration of all around. He hugged his musket to
his osom, gazed tenderly on it, pressed it to his lips,

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

249

then threw it from him, and marched away dissolved in
tears*

On the day of the surrender, the commander-in-chief
rode his favorite and splendid charger, named Nelson, a
light sorrel, sixteen hands high, with white face and legs,
and remarkable as being the first nicked horse seen in
America. This famous charger died at Mount Vernon
many years after the Revolution, at a very advanced
age. After the chief had ceased to mount him, he was
never ridden, but grazed in a paddock in summer, and
was well cared for in winter ; and as often as the retired
farmer of Mount Vernon would be making a tour of his
grounds, he would halt at the paddock, when the old
war-horse would run, neighing, to the fence, proud to be
caressed by the great master’s hands.

The day after the surrender, Earl Cornwallis repaired
to headquarters to pay his respects to General Washing¬
ton and await his orders. The captive chief was received
with all the courtesy due to a gallant and unfortunate
foe. The elegant manners, together with the manly,
frank, and soldierly bearing of Cornwallis, soon made
him a prime favorite at headquarters, and he often
formed part of the suite of the commander-in-chief in his
rides to inspect the levelling of the works previous to

* The delivering of the colors was one of the most painful events of the surrender,
to the captives. There were twenty-eight of them. For this purpose, twenty-eight
British captains, each bearing a flag in a case, were drawn up in line. Opposite
to them, at a distance of six paces, twenty-eight American sergeants were placed to
receive the colors, and an ensign was appointed by Colonel Hamilton, the officer of
the day, to conduct the ceremony. When the ensign gave an order for the captains
to advance two paces, and the American sergeants to advance two paces, the former
hesitated, saying they were unwilling to surrender their flags to non-commissioned
officers. Hamilton, sitting upon his horse at a distance, observed this hesitation.
He rode up, and when informed of the difficulty, ordered the ensign to receive
them all and hand them over to the sergeants.

250

RECOLLECTIONS OE WASHINGTON.

the retirement of the combined armies from before York¬
town*

At the grand dinner given at the headquarters to the
officers of the three armies, Washington filled his glass,
and, after his invariable toast, whether in peace or war,
of a All our friends” gave “ The British Army,” with some
complimentary remarks upon its chief, his proud career
in arms, and his gallant defence of Yorktown. When it
came to Cornwallis’s turn, he prefaced his toast by saying
that the war was virtually at an end, and the contending
parties would soon embrace as friends ; there might be
affairs of posts, hut nothing on a more enlarged scale, as
it was scarcely to be expected that the ministry would
send another army to America.^ Then turning to Wash-

* Yorktown was evacuated by conquerors and captives, within a fortnight after the
surrender. Some of the prisoners were marched to Winchester, in Virginia, and
some to Fort Frederick and Fredericktown, in Maryland. The latter were finally
removed to Lancaster, in Pennsylvania, and guarded by continental troops. Corn¬
wallis and other British officers went by sea to New York, on parole. Finally, they
were all exchanged.

t The fall of Cornwallis was a severe blow to the British ministry. Sir N. W.
Wraxall, in his Historical Memoirs of his Own Times (page 246), has left an interest¬
ing record of the effect of the news of the surrender of Cornwallis upon the minds of
Lord North and the king. The intelligence reached the cabinet on Sunday, the
twenty-fifth of November, at noon. Wraxall asked Lord George Germain how
North “took the communication?” — “As he would have taken a cannon-ball in his
breast,” replied Lord George; “for he opened his arms, exclaiming wildly, as he
paced up and down the apartment during a few minutes, ‘ Oh ! God, it is all over !’
words which he repeated many times, under emotions of the deepest consternation
and distress.” Lord George Germain sent off a despatch to the king, who was then
at Kew. The king wrote a calm letter in reply, but it was remarked, as evidence of
unusual emotion, that he had omitted to mark the hour and minute of his writing,
which he was always accustomed to do with scrupulous precision. Yet the handwrit¬
ing evinced composure of mind.

Parliament assembled on the twenty-seventh of November, and its first business
was the consideration of events in America. Violent debates ensued, in which Ed¬
mund Burke, Charles James Fox, General Conway, and the younger Pitt, engaged
on the side of the opposition. Parliament adjourned until after the holydays, with-

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

251

ington, his lordship continued : 66 And when the illustri¬
ous part that your excellency has borne in this long and
arduous contest becomes matter of history, fame will
gather your brightest laurels rather from the banks of
the Delaware than from those of the Chesapeake” In
this his lordship alluded to the memorable midnight
march made by Washington with the shattered remains
of the grand army, aided by the Pennsylvania militia,
on the night of the second of January, 1777, which
resulted in the surprise of the enemy in his rear, and the
victory of Princeton, restoring hope to the American
cause when it was almost sinking in despair.

Colonel Tarleton, alone of all the British officers of
rank, was left out in the invitations to headquarters.
Gallant and high-spirited, the colonel applied to the
Marquis de Lafayette to know whether the neglect
might not have been accidental? Lafayette well knew
that accident had nothing to do with the matter, but re¬
ferred the applicant to Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, who,
as aid-de-camp to the commander-in-chief, must of course
be able to give the requisite explanation. Laurens at
once said, 66 No, Colonel Tarleton, no accident at all ; in¬
tentional, I can assure you, and meant as a reproof for

out taking any definite action in the matter. On reassembling, the subject was
again brought up, when General Conway offered a resolution preliminary to the
enactment of a decree for commanding the cessation of all hostilities. It was lost
by only one vote. The opposition were encouraged, and again pressed the matter,
and finally, on the fourth of March, 1782, a resolution was offered by Conway, “ That
the house of commons and the nation would consider as enemies to his majesty
and the country, all those who should advise, or by any means attempt, the further
prosecution of offensive war on the continent of North America.” The ministry
were signally defeated in the vote on this resolution, and Lord North, after an
administration as prime minister, of twelve years, resigned the seals of office ; and
soon a decree to cease hostilities, was furnished to the British commanders in
America.

252

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

certain cruelties practised by the troops under your com¬
mand in the campaigns of the Carolinas.” — “ What, sir/’
haughtily rejoined Tarleton, “ and is it for severities in¬
separable from war, which you are pleased to term
cruelties, that I am to be disgraced before junior officers ?
Is it, sir, for a faithful discharge of my duty to my king
and my country, that I am thus humiliated in the eyes
of three armies?” — “Pardon me,” continued Colonel
Laurens, “there are modes, sir, of discharging a soldier’s
duty^ and where mercy has a share in the mode, it ren¬
ders the duty the more acceptable to both friends and
foes” Tarleton stalked gloomily away to his quarters,
which he seldom left until his departure from Virginia.*

* Banastre Tarleton was born in Liverpool, England, in 1754. He had commenced
the study of law when the American war broke out. He then joined the army and
came over with Cornwallis. He was with that officer in all his campaigns in
this country, was an active leader of cavalry at the South, and ended his military
career at Yorktown. He seemed innately cruel while in this country. On his return
to England, the inhabitants of Liverpool elected him their representative in the house
of commons. He married the daughter of the duke of Ancaster in 1798, and in 1817
became a major-general in the British army. When George IV. was crowned, he
was created a baronet. He died in 1833.

In a personal rencounter with Colonel William Washington, at the battle of the
Cowpens, Colonel Tarleton was severely wounded in the hand. According to Mrs.
Ellet’s “Women of the Revolution,” this wound was twice made the point of severe
wit by two American ladies, who were daughters of Colonel Montfort, of Halifax,
North Carolina. Because of his cruel and resentful disposition, he was most heartily
despised by the republicans. The occasions were as follows : When Cornwallis and
his army were at Halifax, on their way to Virginia, Tarleton was at the house of an
American. In the presence of Mrs. Willie Jones (one of these sisters), Tarleton
spoke of Colonel Washington as an illiterate fellow, hardly able to write his name.
“Ah, colonel,” said Mrs. Jones, “you ought to know better, for you bear on your
erson proof that he knows very well hoiv to make his mark /” At another time,
Tarleton was speaking sarcastically of Washington, in the presence of her sister,
Mrs. Ashe. “I would be happy to see Colonel Washington,” he said, with a sneer.
Mrs. Ashe instantly replied, “If you had looked behind you, Colonel Tarleton, at
the battle of the Cowpens, you would have enjoyed that pleasure.” Stung with this
keen wit, Tarleton placed his hand on his sword. General Leslie, who was present,
remarked, “ Say what you please, Mrs. Ashe, Colonel Tarleton knows better than to
insult a lady in my presence.”

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

253

Upon the surrender of the post of Gloucester, Colonel
Tarleton, knowing himself to be particularly obnoxious
to the Americans from his conduct in the South, requested
a guard for his person. This was afterward dispensed
with, but he was destined to be sadly humiliated upon
his arrival in Yorktown, being dismounted in the street
from a beautiful blood-horse that was claimed by a Vir¬
ginian gentleman as his property. The colonel was on
his way to dine with the Baron de Viomenil, and but for
a French officer who was passing, dismounting an orderly,
and giving his steed to the unfortunate colonel, this cele¬
brated cavalier, badly calculated for a pedestrian, from a
defect in one of his feet, must have trudged it to the
baron’s quarters, a distance of more than a mile.

The weather during the siege of Yorktown was propi¬
tious in the extreme, being, with the exception of the
squall on the night of the sixteenth,* the fine autumnal
weather of the South, commonly called the Indian sum¬
mer, which greatly facilitated the military operations.
Washington’s headquarters were under canvass the whole
time.f

The situation of Yorktown, after the surrender, was
pestilential. Numbers of wretched negroes who had
either been taken from the plantations, or had of them¬
selves followed the fortunes of the British army, had died
of the small-pox, which, with the camp-fever, was raging
in the place, and remained unburied in the streets.

* The night when Cornwallis attempted to escape.

f The place where the commissioners met to agree upon terms of capitulation
was Moore’s house, near the banks of the York river. It has sometimes been er¬
roneously called Washington’s headquarters. That building is yet standing, in the
midst of a beautiful lawn and a pleasant surrounding country. I visited it on the
twenty-first of December, 1848, when so mild was the weather, hat, by permission of
the occupant, I plucked a full-blown rose that was blooming near a verandah.

254

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

When all hope of escape was given up, the horses of the
British legion were led to the margin of the river, shot,
and then thrown into the stream. The carcasses, floating
with the tide, lodged on the adjacent shores and flats,
producing an effluvium that affected the atmosphere for
miles around. Indeed, it was many months before York-
town and its environs became sufficiently purified to be
habitable with any degree of comfort.

A domestic affliction threw a shade over Washington’s
happiness, while his camp still rang with shouts of tri¬
umph for the surrender of Yorktown. His step-son* (to
whom he had been a parent and protector, and to whom
he was fondly attached), who had acccompanied him to
the camp at Cambridge, and was among the first of his
aids in the dawn of the Kevolution, sickened while on
duty as extra aid to the commander-in-chief in the
trenches before Yorktown. Aware that his disease (the
camp-fever), would be mortal, the sufferer had yet one
last lingering wish to be gratified, and he would die con¬
tent. It was to behold the surrender of the sword of
Cornwallis. He was supported to the ground, and wit¬
nessed the admired spectacle, and was then removed to
Eltham, a distance of thirty miles from camp.j*

An express from Hr. Craik announced that there was
no longer hope, when Washington, attended by a single
officer, and a groom, left the headquarters at midnight,
and rode with all speed for Eltham.

The anxious watchers by the couch of the dying were,
in the gray of the twilight, aroused by a trampling of

* John Parke Custis, the only son of Mrs. Washington, and father of the author
of these Recollections.

t The residence of Colonel Basset, who married Mrs. Washington’s sister.

SURRENDER AT YORKTOWN.

255

horse, and, looking out, discovered the commander-in¬
chief alighting from a jaded charger in the courtyard.
He immediately summoned Doctor Craik, and to the
eager inquiry, “ Is there any hope ?” Craik mournfully
shook his head. The general retired to a room to in¬
dulge his grief, requesting to be left alone. In a little
while the poor sufferer expired. Washington, tenderly
embracing the bereaved wife and mother, observed to
the weeping group around the remains of him he so
dearly loved, “ From this moment I adopt his two
youngest children as my own.”* Absorbed in grief, he
then waived with his hand a melancholy adieu, and, fresh
horses being ready, without rest or refreshment, he re¬
mounted and returned to the camp.

* These were Eleanor Parke Custis, who married Lawrence Lewis, the favorite
nephew of General Washington, and George Washington Parke Custis — the latter,
the author of these Recollections.

Note. — After the foregoing chapter was in type, I found in the Philadelphia
Sunday Despatch, in one of a series of articles on the History of Chestnut street, from
the pen of one of the editors, the following extract from an old paper, entitled
the Allied Mercury or Independent Intelligencer, of the date of fifth November, 1781,
which relates to the British banners surrendered at Yorktown, mentioned in a note
on page 249 of these Recollections : —

“On Saturday last (November 3, 1781), between three and four o’clock in the
afternoon, arrived here twenty-four standards of colors taken with the British army
under the command of Earl Cornwallis. The volunteer cavalry of this city received
these trophies of victory at Schuylkill, from whence they escorted and ushered them
into town amidst the acclamations of a numerous concourse of people. Continental
and Erench colors, at a distance, preceded the British, and thus they were paraded
down Market street to the state-house. They were then carried into Congress and
laid at their feet.

The crowd exulting fills with shouts the sky,

The walls, the woods, and long canals reply :

Base Britons! Tyrant Britons — knock under,

Taken ’s your earl, soldiers and plunder.

Huzza ! what colors of the bloody foe,

Twenty-four in number, at the State-House door ;

Look : they are British standards, how they fall
At the president’s feet, Congress and all.”

256

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER VII.

Washington’s life-guard.

Number and Uniform of the Guard — Their Appearance and Discipline — The Faith¬
less Guardsman — Guard borrowed for Important Expeditions — The Affair at
Barren Hill — Lafayette in Peril — Allen M‘Lane — Escape of the Republicans —
Passage of the Schuylkill — The Life-Guard at Monmouth — Morgan’s Merriment —
Last Suryiyor of the Guard.

The Life-Guard was a select corps, composed of a major’s
command, or about one hundred and fifty men * Caleb

* Among the Connecticut troops who were engaged in the battle of Bunker’s
Hill, was a company under Captain Thomas Knowlton, who was mortally wounded
in a skirmish on Harlem plains, on the sixteenth of September, 1776. His was one
of the best-disciplined companies in the crude army that gathered so suddenly near
Boston, after the bloodshed at Lexington and Concord became known. This com¬
pany and others were formed into a battalion known as the Connecticut rangers, to
the command of which Knowlton was appointed, with the rank of Lieutenant-
Colonel. It formed a part of the central division of the army at Cambridge, after
Washington had taken the chief command, and was under his immediate control.
The corps soon held the same enviable position, as to discipline and soldierly deport¬
ment, as Captain Knowlton’s company had done ; and the commander, proud of his
battalion, made it a sort of voluntary body-guard to the general-in-chief, and called
it Congress’s oivn.”

This appellation produced some jealousy in the army, which Washington per¬
ceived ; and, on the eleventh of March, 1776 (a few days before the termination of
the siege of Boston), he ordered a corps to be formed, of reliable men, as guard for
himself, baggage, &c. He directed them to be chosen from various regiments, spe¬
cifying their height to be “from five feet nine inches, to five feet ten inches, and to
be handsomely and well made.” It consisted of a major’s command — one hundred
and eighty men. Caleb Gibbs, of Bhode Island, was its first chief, and bore the
title of captain-commandant, having three lieutenants. When this corps was
formed, that of Knowlton was no longer regarded with jealousy, as a special favor¬
ite, although it continued to be so in the estimation of Washington.

The Life-Guard appear to have been quite popular. Captain Harding, of Fair-

Washington’s life-guard.

257

Gibbs was the first captain-commandant, and was ably
seconded by brave and gallant young officers. Their
uniform consisted of a blue coat, with white facings ;
white waistcoat and breeches; black stock and black
half-gaiters, and a round hat with blue and white feather*

field, Connecticut, writing to Governor Trumbull, on the twentieth of May, 1776,
said: “lam now about fitting out another small sloop [privateersman], that was
taken from a tory, that I have called the Life-Guard , to be commanded by Mr.
Smedley, to cruise to the eastward,” &c., &c. On the sixteenth of the same month,
Washington, then in New York, issued the following order : “ Any orders delivered
by Caleb Gibbs and George Lewis, Esqrs., [officers of the general’s Guard], are to
be attended to' in the same manner as if sent by an aid-de-camp.”

We find no further mention of the Guard until in June following, when members
of it were suspected of being engaged in an alleged conspiracy to assassinate Wash¬
ington and his staff. This conspiracy was concocted by Governor Tryon, then a
refugee on board of a British man-of-war in the harbor of New York, and the tories
in the city and vicinity, at the head of whom was Matthews the mayor. They were
made bold by the expected speedy arrival of a strong British land and naval force.
It was arranged, that on the arrival of these forces, the tories were to rise, full-armed,
to co-operate with them; that Kingsbridge, at the upper end of York island should
be destroyed, so as to cut of all communication with the main land ; that the maga¬
zines should be fired, and Washington and his staff bo murdered, or seized and
given up to the enemy. The plan was hinted at by the voice of rumor, and sus¬
picion of complicity rested upon one or two of the Life-Guard. One, named Hickey,
was proved to have made arrangements to have poison placed in some green peas of
which Washington was about to partake. He was hanged on the twenty-eighth of
June, 1776. It is a singular fact, that the victim of this, the first military execution
in the continental army, was a member of the body-guard of the commander-in¬
chief, who were chosen for their trustworthiness.

* This description exactly corresponds with the device on a flag that belonged to
the cavalry of the Guard, which is preserved in the museum at Alexandria, and of
which I have a drawing. The flag is made of white silk, on which the device is
neatly painted. One of the Guard is seen holding a horse, and is in the act of
receiving a flag from the genius of liberty, who is personified as a woman leaning
upon the Union shield, near which is the American eagle. The motto of the corps,
“ Conquer or Die,” is upon a ribbon. Care was always taken to have each
state, from which the continental army was supplied with troops, represented by
members of this corps. It was the duty of the infantry portion to guard the head¬
quarters, and to insure the safe-keeping of the papers and effects of the commander-
in-chief, as well as the safety of his person. The mounted portion accompanied the
general in his marches and in reconnoitering, or other like movements. They were
employed as patrols, videttes, and bearers of the general’s orders to various military
posts ; and they were never spared in battle.

258

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The cavalry of the Guard was detailed from various
corps during the contest.* In the earlier campaigns,

* A new organization of the Guard took place at the close of April, 1777, when
Washington was at Morristown, in New Jersey. On the thirtieth of that month, he
issued the following circular to the colonels of regiments stationed there : —

“ Sir : I want to form a company for my guard. In doing this, I wish to be
extremely cautious, because it is more than probable that, in the course of the cam¬
paign, my baggage, papers, and other matters of great public import, may be com¬
mitted to the sole care of these men. This being premised, in order to impress you
with proper attention in the choice, I have to request that you will immediately fur¬
nish me with four men of your regiment ; and, as it is my farther wish that this
company should look well, and be nearly of a size, I desire that none of the men
may exceed in stature five feet ten inches, nor fall short of five feet nine inches —
sober, young, active, and well made. When I recommend care in your choice, I
would be understood to mean, of good character, in the regiment — that possess the
pride of appearing clean and soldierlike. I am satisfied there can be no absolute
security for the fidelity of this class of people ; but yet I think it most likely to be
found in those who have family connections in the country. You will, therefore,
send me none but natives. I must insist that, in making this choice, you give no
intimation of my preference of natives, as I do not want to create any invidious
distinction between them and the foreigners.’'

A few days before making this requisition, Washington wrote as follows to the
captain-commandant of his Guard — Caleb Gibbs : —

“ Morristown, April 22, 1777.

“ Dear Sir : I forgot before you left this place to desire you to provide clothing
for the men that are to compose my Guard— but now desire that you will apply to
the clothier-general, and have them forwarded to this place, or headquarters, as
soon as possible.

“ Provide for four sergeants, four corporals, a drum and fife, and fifty rank and file.
If blue and buff can be had, I should prefer that uniform, as it is the one I wear
myself. If it can not, Mr. Mease and you may fix upon any other, red excepted. I
shall get men from five feet nine to five feet ten, for the Guard ; for such sized men,
therefore make your clothing. You may get a small round hat, or a cocked one, as
you please.

“ In getting these clothes no mention need be made for what purpose they are in¬
tended ; for though no extraordinary expense will attend it, and the Guard which is
absolutely necessary for the security of my baggage and papers, &c., may as well be
in uniform ; yet the report of making a uniform (or if already made, of providing
uniform) for the Guards, creates an idea of expense which I would not wish
should go forth.

“ That your arms may also be of a piece, I herewith enclose you an order on the
com’y of stores for fifty muskets. I am, dear sir, your most obe’dt,

“ Geo. Washington.”

Washington’s life-guard.

259

from Baylor’s regiment, which was called Lady Washing-
tori! s Dragoons — uniform white, with blue facings, &c*
The Life-Guard, always attached to the headquarters, was
admired as well for its superior appearance as for its high
state of discipline ; it being considered, in the olden time,
a matter of distinction to serve in the Guard of the com-
mander-in-chief.f

* Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor’s corps was one of the finest in the army. While
lying at Old Tappan, near the Hudson, with his regiment, in fancied security, tow¬
ard the close of September, 1778, he was surprised by General Grey (father of Earl
Grey, late premier of England), of Cornwallis’s army, and a large number of his
men were brutally bayoneted while imploring quarter. Out of one hundred and
sixty-four men, sixty-seven were killed or wounded. Lieutenant-Colonel Baylor
was taken prisoner; and seventy horses belonging to the corps were butchered.

t After the reorganization of the Guard, in the spring of 1777, the number was
considerably increased. In the spring of 1778, the Baron von Steuben arrived at the
camp at Valley Eorge, and assumed the office of inspector-general of the army.
He selected one hundred and twenty men from the line, whom he formed into a
special guard for the general-in-chief. He made them his military school, drilled
them twice a-day, and thus commenced that admirable system of discipline by which
he rendered most important service to the American cause.

Caleb Gibbs was still captain-commandant, and remained in that position until
near the close of 1779, when he was succeeded by William Colfax, one of his three
lieutenants, the other two being Henry P. Livingston, of New York, and Benjamin
Grymes, of Virginia. Colfax became commandant while Washington was stationed
at Morristown, and when the number of the corps was greater than at any other
period during the war. He was born in Connecticut, in the year 1760, and at the
age of seventeen he was commissioned as lieutenant of the continental army. He
was in the battle at White Plains, where he was shot through the body. When he
became the leader of the general’s Guard, a strong attachment was formed be¬
tween the commander-in-chief and the young subaltern. Washington often shared
his tent and his table with him ; and he gave the young man many tokens of his
esteem. One of these the family of General Colfax yet possesses. It is a silver
stock-buckle, set with paste brilliants. Colfax was at the surrender of Cornwallis
at Yorktown, and he remained with the army until it was disbanded late in 1783.
He then settled at Pompton, New Jersey, where he married Hester Schuyler, a
Cousin of General Philip Schuyler. In 1793, he was commissioned by Governor
Howell, general and commander-in-chief of the militia of New Jersey. He was a
presidential elector in 1798; and in 1810 he was commissioned a brigadier-general
of the Jersey Blues, and was active during the earlier period of the war of 1812.
He was appointed a judge of the Common Pleas of Bergen county, which office he

260

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The Life-Guard was borrowed by favorite officers for
several important expeditions. In the affair of Barren
Hill, in May ’78,* the Life-Guard formed a part of the
troops under the Marquis de Lafayette, who, recovered
of the wound he received in the preceding campaign, f in
’78 made his debut in arms as a general officer. The
position at Barren hill becoming extremely hazardous,
on account of two heavy columns of the enemy that
were marching to intercept the communication of the
marquis with the main army at V alley Forge, the young
general determined, by a gallant dash between the ad¬
vancing columns, to reach the ford on the Schuylkill, and
thus secure his retreat to the main army. Here let our
narration pause, while we pay a well-merited tribute to
the memory and services of Allen M‘Lane, to whose
untiring vigilance in watching the stealthy approach of
the enemy’s columns toward Barren hill, and prompt¬
ness in attacking them on their route, the marquis was
mainly indebted for success in the celebrated retreat
that shed such lustre on his first command.

In Allen M‘Lane, we have the recollection of a parti¬
san who, with genius to conceive, possessed a courage
even to chivalry to execute the most daring enterprises :

held until his death, which occurred in 1838, when he was seventy-eight years of
age. He was then buried with military honors.

* When rumors reached Washington, in his camp at Valley Forge, that the Brit¬
ish were about to evacuate Philadelphia, he detached Lafayette, with little over a
thousand chosen men, and five pieces of cannon, to take position eastward of the
Schuylkill, nearer Philadelphia, to watch their movements. He took post upon
Barren hill, about half way between Valley Forge and Philadelphia, on the
eighteenth of May.

t Lafayette was severely wounded in his leg, by a musket ball, at the battle of
Brandywine, on the eleventh of September, 1777. He tarried, during his disability,
among the Moravians, at Bethlehem, in Pennsylvania.

WASHINGTON’S LIFE-GUARD.

261

who ever ranked with the foremost in the esteem of the
chief, and was considered by the whole army as one of
the most intrepid and distinguished officers of the war
of the Revolution.

When the retiring Americans reached the ford of the
Schuylkill,* they hesitated in attempting the passage. La¬
fayette sprang from his horse, and rushed into the water
waist deep, calling on his comrades to follow. Animated
by the example of their youthful general, the soldiers
entered the river, the taller men sustaining the shorter,
and after a severe struggle gained the southern or friendly
shore, having suffered but inconsiderable loss.

Meanwhile, the enemy were in close pursuit, and the
commander-in-chief, fearing for the detachment, which
consisted of his choicest troops, including the Life-Guard,
dragged his artillery to the rocky heights that com¬
manded the ford, and opened upon the enemy’s advance,
checking them so far as to enable the marquis the better
to secure his retreat. There was one feature in the
martial spectacle of the passage of the Schuylkill of rare
and imposing interest: it was the admired form of Wash¬
ington, at times obscured, and then beheld amid the
smoke of the cannonade, as, attended by his generals and
staff, he would waive his hat to encourage the soldiers
in their perilous passage of the stream.

On the morning of the battle of Monmouth, June, ’78,
a detachment from the Life-Guard, and one from Mor-

* Matson’s ford, a few miles below Norristown. Through lack of vigilance on
the part of some militia, Lafayette came very near being surrounded at Barren hill
by General Grant, with five thousand men. With perfect presence of mind, the
marquis threw out small parties so judiciousl}’-, that Grant, supposing he was pre*
paring for an attack, halted his column to make similar preparations. This gave
Lafayette an opportunity to escape.

262

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

gan’s riflemen, led by Morgan’s favorite, Captain Gabriel
Long, made a brilliant dash at a party of the enemy
which they surprised while washing at a brook that ran
through an extensive meadow. Seventeen grenadiers
were made prisoners, and borne off in the very face of
the British light-infantry, who fired upon their daring
assailants, and immediately commenced a hot pursuit;
yet Long displayed such consummate ability as well as
courage, that he brought off his party, prisoners and all,
with only the loss of one sergeant wounded.

Morgan was in waiting, at the out-post, to receive the
detachment on their return, having listened, with much
anxiety, to the heavy fire of the pursuing enemy. Charm¬
ed with the success of the enterprise, in the return of
the troops almost unharmed, and in the prisoners taken,
Morgan wrung the favorite captain by the hand, and paid
his compliments to the officers and men of his own corps,
and of the Life-Guard. Then the famed Leader of the
Woodsmen indulged himself in a stentorian laugh that
made all ring again, at the bespattered condition of the
gentlemen , as he was pleased to term the Life-Guard, and
who, in their precipitate retreat, having to pass through
certain swamps that abound in the portion of New Jersey
then the seat of war, presented a most soiled appearance
for troops who might be termed the martinets of sixty
years ago.

It is believed that the late Colonel John Nicholas, of
Virginia, was the last of the Life - Guard*

* This was first published in the National Intelligencer, on the thirtieth of Jan¬
uary, 1838. One of the Life-Guard, and doubtless the very last survivor, lived until
early in 1856, eighteen years after the text of this chapter was published. His name
was Uzal Knapp, and at the time of his death, was a resident of New Windsor,
Orange county, New York. He was a native of Stamford, Connecticut, where he

Washington’s life-guard.

263

was bom in October, 1758. At the age of eighteen years he enlisted in the con¬
tinental army, as a common soldier, to serve “ for and during the war j” and he
■was continually on duty from that time until his discharge in June, 1783. His first
active service was at White Plains, in the autumn of 1776. He was with Wooster
at Ridgefield; and was at Peekskill when Forts Clinton and Montgomery were
stormed and taken by the British, in the autumn of 1777. He passed the following
winter among the snows of Valley Forge, and in May he joined the light-infantry
of Lafayette, at Barren hill. He was with him in the battle of Monmouth, in June ;
and in the winter of 1780, when the number of the Life-Guard was augmented, he
entered that corps at Morristown, and received from the hands of Washington the
commission of sergeant. At the time of his discharge, he received from the com¬
mander- in-chief the Badge of Military Merit , for six years’ faithful service. This
honorary badge of distinction was established by Washington, in August, 1781, and
was conferred upon non-commissioned officers and soldiers who had served three
years with bravery, fidelity, and good conduct, and upon every one who should per¬
form any singularly meritorious action. The badge entitled the recipient “ to pass
and repass all guards and military posts as fully and amply as any commissioned
officer whatever.” It was the order of the American “ Legion of Honor.”

After the war, Sergeant Knapp settled in New Windsor, near Newburgh ; and
there he lived the quiet life of a farmer until his death, which occurred on the
eleventh of January, 1856, when he was little more than ninety-six years of age.
His body was taken to Newburgh, and there lay in state for three days, in the centre
of the reception-room in Washington’s headquarters, so well preserved as the property
of the state. On Wednesday, the sixteenth of January, attended by a civic and
military pageant, and a vast assemblage of people, it was buried at the foot of the
flag-staff, on the slope near that venerated building around which cluster so many
memories of Washington and the continental army. It is a most appropriate
burial-place for the mortal remains of the veteran guardsman.

264

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER VIII.

THE HHNTIN G-SHIRT.

Major Adlum’s Letter — Account op Smallwood’s Eegiment in Philadelphia — Their
Attire — Character op the Members — The Eegiment on Long Island — Its Wreck —
Eem arks by Mr. Custis — Morgan’s Eiflemen at Quebec — Their Appearance — Anec¬
dote op a Yankee Captain — A British Admiral Outwitted — Fear of Morgan’s Eifle¬
men — Their Attachment to their Leader — The Highland Costume — A Plea for the
Hunting-shirt.

In the National Intelligencer, on the twelfth of Octo¬
ber, 1833, the editor remarked: —

“The following interesting reminiscence of the days
of trial, with a graphic description of a corps, that was
composed of the chivalry of Maryland, and formed the
very elite of the army of independence, in the memorable
campaign of 1776, will, we are assured, be read with
gratification by all the Americans,

“These details are selected from among a series of
papers, furnished by our venerable neighbor, and Revo¬
lutionary veteran, Major Adlum, to Mr. Custis, of Arling¬
ton, for the latter gentleman’s work, ‘ The Private Me¬
moirs of Washington.’

“ ‘ Smallwood’s regiment arrived in Philadelphia about
the middle of July, 1776, the day after the militia of
Yorktown* got there. I happened to be in Market street
when the regiment was marching down it. They turned
up Front street, till they reached the Quaker meeting-

* York, Pennsylvania.

THE HUNTING-SHIRT.

265

house, called the Bank meeting, where they halted for
some time, which I presumed was owing to a delicacy on
the part of the officers, seeing they were about to be
quartered in a place of worship. After a time, they
moved forward to the door, where the officers halted,
and their platoons came up, and stood with their hats off,
while the soldiers with recovered arms, marched into the
meeting-house. The officers then retired, and sought
quarters elsewhere.

“ 6 The regiment was then said to be eleven hundred
strong ; and never did a finer, more dignified, and braver
body of men, face an enemy. They were composed of
the flower of Maryland, being young gentlemen, the sons
of opulent planters, farmers, and mechanics. From the
colonel to the private, all were attired in hunting-shirts.
I afterward saw this fine corps on their march to join
General Washington.*

“‘In the battle of Long Island, f Smallwood’s regi¬
ment, when engaged with an enemy of overwhelmingly
superior force, displayed a courage and discipline, that
sheds upon its memory an undying lustre, while it was

* They joined the American army under Washington, at New York, at the close
of July, and presented a strong contrast to the irregularly-dressed troops from New
England.

t British and German troops, to the number of about thirty thousand, arrived at
Staten Island, before New York, at the close of July, 1776. Washington, with an
army of about seventeen thousand men, mostly militia, lay intrenched in New York
and vicinity, waiting for the expected foe. In that relative position the two armies
lay until the morning of the twenty-second of August, when ten thousand of the
enemy landed upon the west end of Long Island. Meanwhile, Washington had
formed a fortified camp on high ground near Brooklyn, on Long'Island, opposite
New York, and in that vicinity a severe battle was fought, on the twenty-seventh of
August, in which the British were victorious, the Americans losing in killed, wound¬
ed, and prisoners, about sixteen hundred men. These were soon made to feel the
horrible sufferings which gave the name of hells to the prison-ships in the harbor of
New York and the jails in the city.

266

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

so cut to pieces, that in the October following, when I
again saw the regiment, its remains did not exceed a
hundred men*

“ 6 Captain Edward de Courcy, Captain Herbert, a cap¬
tain, and a Doctor Stuart, of Smallwood’s, were among
the prisoners taken at Long Island, with whom I became
acquainted, while I was a prisoner in New York.

“ ‘ The wreck of the once superb regiment of Small¬
wood fought in the battles of the White Plains and the
subsequent actions in the Jerseys, and in the memorable
campaign of 1776, terminating with the battle of Prince¬
ton, January, 1777, where the remains of the regiment,
reduced to little more than a company, were commanded
by Captain, afterward Governor Stone of Maryland.’ ”

To the above communication Mr. Custis added the fol¬
lowing remarks : —

The hunting-shirt, the emblem of the Revolution, is
banished from the national military, but still lingers
among the hunters and pioneers of the Far West. This
national costume, properly so called, was adopted in the
outset of the Revolution, and was recommended by
Washington to his army,f in the most eventful period of

* In a severe conflict between the divisions of Lord Stirling, of the republican
army, and Lord Cornwallis, of the British army, Smallwood’s regiment lost two
hundred and fifty-nine of its members.

t Washington was an early advocate for the hunting-shirt, in imitation of the In¬
dian costume. While on the march for Fort du Quesne, in July 1758, he wrote
to Colonel Boquet, saying : “ My men are very bare of regimental clothing, and I
have no prospect of a supply. So far from regretting this want during the present
campaign, if I were left to pursue my own inclination, I would not only order the
men to adopt the Indian dress, but cause the officers to do it also, and be the first to
set the example myself. Nothing but the uncertainty of obtaining the general ap¬
probation causes me to hesitate a moment to leave my regimentals at this place [camp
near Fort Cumberland], and proceed as light as any Indian in the woods. It is an
unbecoming dress, I own, for an officer; but convenience, rather than show, should

THE HUNTING-SHIRT.

267

the War for Independence. It was a favorite garb with
many of the officers of the line, particularly by the gal¬
lant Colonel Josiah Parker.

When Morgan’s riflemen, made prisoners at the as¬
sault on Quebec, in 1775,* were returning to the South to
be exchanged, the British garrisons on the route beheld
with wonder these sons of the mountain and the forest.
Their hardy looks, their tall athletic forms, their march¬
ing always in Indian file, with the light and noiseless
step peculiar to their pursuit of woodland game; but,
above all, to European eyes, their singular and picturesque
costume, the hunting-shirt, with its fringes, the wampum
belts, leggins, and moccasins, richly worked with the In¬
dian ornaments of beads and porcupine quills of brilliant
and varied dyes, the tomahawk and knife ; these, with
the well known death-dealing aim of those matchless
marksmen, created in the European military a degree of

be consulted. The reduction of bat-horses alone would be sufficient to recommend
it, for nothing is more certain than that less baggage would be required, and the
public benefited in proportion.”

Boquet, like a sensible man, gave a sympathetic response to Washington’s sug¬
gestions, but the remainder of the regular officers opposed it. Washington tried the
experiment, and it was eminently successful. He equipped two companies in that
way and sent them to headquarters. The weather was then extremely hot? and the
light costume pleased all wearers. Colonel Boquet wrote to Washington : “ The
dress takes very well here, and, thank God, we see nothing but shirts and blankets.”
Such was the origin of the hunting-shirt, or costume of the American riflemen.

* Morgan, at the head of a rifle corps, accompanied General Arnold in the expe¬
dition across the country from the Atlantic to the St. Lawrence, in the autumn of
1775. That expedition, emerging from the wilderness, appeared at Point Levi, op¬
posite Quebec, in the midst of falling snow, in November. The apparition startled
the Quebec people, and by the mistake of a single word, their fears were greatly in¬
creased. Morgan’s men had the linen hunting-shirt over their thick clothing, and
those who first saw them, reported that they were vctu en toile — clothed in linen
clothes. The word toile was mistaken for tole, iron plate, and the news spread that
they were clad in sheet iron! In the siege that afterward followed, Morgan and his
brave men were made prisoners by the British.

268

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

awe and respect for the hunting-shirt, which lasted with
the War of the Revolution.*

That the fame of the prowess of American woodsmen
had not been effaced by time, let me instance the “ ruse
de guerre” most happily played off by a Yankee captain
upon a British admiral during the last war.

A Captain G - had been taken by one of the vessels

composing the Chesapeake squadron, f and was carried on
board the admiral’s ship, who, after civilly treating his

prisoner, one day observed, “ Pray, Captain G - , if I

should determine to make a reconnoissance up the Poto¬
mac, toward your seat of government, how many rifle¬
men may I expect to find on the banks of the river, as
my pilots tell me the channel-way in some places runs
very near the land ? I do not mean your regulars, but
those hunting-shirt fellows, from the woods, who can hit
any button on my coat, when they are in the humor of
sharp-shooting.” Here the Yankee, being wide awake to
the importance of the question, as regarding his country’s
interests, went right to windward of the admiral at once.
He looked grave, and began to reckon deliberately on
his fingers ; after a time, he replied, with perfect compo¬
sure, Why, I guess somewhere about ten or eleven
thousand, sir.” The Briton, in his turn, looked grave,

* General Gates bore testimony to the fact, that Morgan’s corps inspired the
British with fear. Washington had sent that fine corps to assist Gates in opposing
Bnrgoyne. After the battle near Stillwater, on the nineteenth of September, 1777,
he wrote to Gates to send them back again if he could possibly spare them- Gates
received the letter just before the decisive engagement of the seventh of October, and
in reply, after stating that he could not then part with any of his troops, he remarked,
“ In this situation your excellency would not wish me to part with the corps the army
of General Burgoyne are most afraid of.”

t Under Admiral Cockburn, who engaged in an amphibious marauding warfare
on the shores of that bay.

THE HUNTING-SHIRT.

269

and turning to his officers; observed; 66 I believe we will
not go up at this time.”

Not a long rifle; that is, such as a hunting-shirt would
use (for a genuine Tomahawk would not pick up in the
street a short, or jager piece), was at the time within a
hundred miles of the Potomac, and the Yankee well
knew it ; but finding that he had an opportunity of pro¬
tecting an important portion of his country by hoaxing
a British admiral, he thought that the end justified the
means, as to take advantage is the true morality of war.
The Yankee so played his part, and famously too.

General Morgan frequently observed, “ The very sight
of my riflemen was always enough for a Hessian piquet.
They would scamper into their lines as if the d — 1 drove
them, shouting in all the English they knew, c Kebel in
de bush ! rebel in de bush !’ ”*

The famed corps of Morgan was raised in the Shenan¬
doah valley and the mountains circumjacent. The drum
and fife, and even the sergeant’s hard dollars on the drum¬
head, would not have enlisted a man of this corps. It
was like the devotion of a Highland clan to its chief.
Morgan was the chief — Morgan, with whom those hardy
fellows had wrestled and fought, and kicked up all sorts

* In the autumn of 1775, the British ministry concluded a bargain with some of
the petty German princes for the use of seventeen thousand troops in America. The
landgrave of Hesse Cassel, having furnished the most considerable portion of these
mercenaries, all that came over in the spring of 1776, were called by the general
name of Hessians. Many of them ignorant, brutal, and blood-thirsty, were hated
by the patriots, and despised even by the regular English army. They were always
employed at posts of greatest danger, or in expeditions least creditable. These
troops cost the British government eight hundred thousand dollars, besides the neces¬
sity, according to the contract, of defending the little principalities thus stripped,
against their foes. A large portion of them were pressed into the service, and drag¬
ged away from their families ; and great numbers of them deserted before the close of
the war.

270

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

of a dust for a long time. When Morgan cried, with his
martial inspiration, “ Come, boys, who’s for the camp be¬
fore Cambridge,” the mountaineers turned out to a man.
Short was their “ note of preparation.” The blanket
buckled to their backs, their baggage, a supply of food
in their pouches, scanty as an Aborigine would take for
a long march, their commissariat — they grasped their
rifles, and strode away to the North, a band of young
giants, for the combats of liberty.

The Americans may be said at this time to have no
national costume — all borrowed from abroad. They
66 order things” better in Scotland. There the Gael ad¬
heres to the martial habiliments of his ancestors, proud
of their renowned recollections, and jealous of the pecu¬
liar colors of his tartan. Amid the cruel persecutions of
Forty-five,* was the proscription of the Highland costume ;
which is, in truth, the only relic of the ancient Roman
dress. What British ministry Avould proscribe it now.
They hail with joy the philebeg and hose, whose war¬
riors have covered their arms with glory in every quarter
of the world. From the time that the old Highland
wTatch, the renowned “ Fortie-twa,”f first embarked for

* This has reference to the action of the British government after the rising of
the Scotch in 1745, in favor of Charles Edward, grandson of James II. of England,
who claimed a right to the British throne. They were put down in 1746, and many
suffered punishments.

f The celebrated forty-second regiment of the British infantry, known as the Royal
Highlanders. It was organized in May, 1740. It was embodied in Perthshire, Scot¬
land, in 1730, as a local corps, and was widely known as the “Black Watch,” the
privates even, being gentlemen by birth and fortune. It was first called the forty-
third regiment, and was then numbered as the forty-second in 1749. It was made
“royal” in 1758, by George II., as a testimony of his approbation of the “extra-¬
ordinary courage and exemplary conduct of the Highland regiment.”

This gallant corps has been abroad on active service more than sixty-four years,
and in England and Ireland thirty-five — only thirteen years being spent in Scot-

THE HUNTING-SHIRT.

271

foreign service, down to the present hour, in every action
where they have been engaged, in every quarter of the
world, the friend and the foeman have alike awarded
glory to the kilts. But suppose, for a moment, yielding
to the “ march of intellect,” you disrobe Donald of his
trews, and fit him with “braw breeks,” in their stead —
adieu, then, adieu to the magic influence of the soul-
stirring pipes ; no longer will the awful cry of Claymore
drive him headlong into the ranks of the foe ; and soon,

land. It has served in twenty-nine expeditions and campaigns, and has been en¬
gaged in more than fifty battles, sieges, and skirmishes. The following is a list of
the principal campaigns and actions of note in which it has distinguished itself : —

At the bloody battle of Fontenoy, in 1745 ; the descent on the coast of France and
the siege of L’Orient, in 1746 ; the raising of the siege of Hulse, and the campaign
in South Beveland, in 1747 ; the attack on Ticonderoga, in 1758 ; that on Martinique
and the capture of Guadaloupe ; the expedition to Lakes George and Champlain,
under General Amherst, including the surrender by the French of Crown Point and
Ticonderoga, in 1759 ; the surrender of Montreal, in 1760 ; the capture of Martinique,
siege of the Moro castle and capture of Havana, in 1762; the campaigns against
the North American Indians in 1763, 1764, and 1765.

During our War for Independence the forty-second was present at the battles of
Brooklyn and Long Island, and the capture of Fort Washington, in 1776; Brandy¬
wine and Germantown, 1777; Monmouth, 1778; Elizabethtown, 1779; siege of
Charleston, 1780, and many minor affairs.

During the war of the first French Revolution, the forty-second was engaged in
the battles of Nieuport, 1793 ; Gildermaison, 1795 ; the capture of St. Lucia and St.
Vincent, 1796, and Minorca, 1798. In Egypt, it was present in the several actions
under Abercrombie, and gained the red-feather as a particular mark of distinction for
its gallantry there. The regiment was also in Moore’s campaign in Portugal and
Spain, the disastrous retreat to Corunna and the fierce fight there, in 1808-9. It
was in the unfortunate Walcheren expedition; fought in the battle of Salamanca;
was at the siege of and retreat from Burgos, and in the battles in and near the Py¬
renees — Nivelle, Nive, Orthes, and finally at Thoulouse — which terminated Wel¬
lington’s campaigns in Spain and the occupation of that country by the French
armies. The regiment was in the bloody battle of Quatre Bras, and distinguished
itself a few days after in the awful struggle at Waterloo. Since then they have
maintained their well-earned reputation in the Crimea and in India.

The forty-second is one of the oldest of all the Scotch regiments now in the British
army; the others are the seventy-first, seventy-second, seventy-third, seventy-fourth,
seventy-fifth, seventy-sixth, seventy-eighth, ninety -first, ninety-second, and ninety-
third.

272

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

very soon, would there be a farewell to the glories of the
“forty-twa.”

And should not Americans feel proud of the garb, and
hail it as national, in which their fathers endured such
toil and privation, in the mighty struggle for Independ¬
ence, which is associated with so many and imposing
events of the days of trial — the march across the frozen
wilderness, the assault on Quebec,* the triumphs of Sar¬
atoga*)* and the King’s mountain ?J But a little while,
and of a truth, the hunting-shirt, the venerable emblem
of the Kevolution, will have disappeared from among the
Americans, and only to be found in museums, like ancient
armor, exposed to the gaze of the curious.

* Arnold’s expedition in the autumn of 1775, and the siege of Quebec, where
they were made prisoners. See page 267.

f When General Burgoyne, with a large invading army that had penetrated from
Canada, was obliged to surrender to the republicans, under General Gates.

} Early in the autumn of 1780, Cornwallis, who held South Carolina in subjec¬
tion, resolved to invade the North State. As a part of his plan, he sent Major
Patrick Ferguson to embody the tories among the mountains, west of the Broad
river. Early in October he crossed that stream with a considerable force, and en¬
camped among the hills of King’s mountain. There he was attacked on the seventh
by several corps of whig militia. A bloody contest ensued, and the republicans
were victorious. Ferguson was slain, and three hundred of his men were killed and
wounded. Eight hundred of them were made prisoners. There were many hunting-
shirts in the republican ranks on that day.

Washington’s headquarters.

273

CHAPTER IX.

Washington’s headquarters.

Headquarters at Morristown— Valley Forge and its Associations — Privations there

— Conway’s Cabal — Alliance with France Proclaimed — Headquarters under Can¬
vass — Banqueting and Sleeping Marquees — Washington within them — The Maker
op the Marquees — The Life-Guard — Governor Trumbull — Putnam starting for
the Camp — Washington's Appeal for Assistance — Scene in Governor Trumbull’s
Presence — The Governor’s Patriotism — Supplies Promised — Joy on their Arrival

— Trumbull’s two Sons — Captain Molly and the Commander-in-chief — Old Sol¬
diers at the Presidential Mansion — Reverence for Headquarters.

Many of the establishments that constituted the head¬
quarters during the Revolution yet remain for the vene¬
ration of the Americans.55* At Cambridge,*}* Morristown, J

* This chapter was first published in the National Intelligencer , on the twenty-third
of February, 1843,

t Washington’s residence during the time a portion of the American army occu¬
pied Cambridge, near Boston, from the spring of 1775 until that of 1776, is yet
standing, and is well preserved. It was known as the Cragie House , and has been
for many years the property and residence of Professor Henry Wadsworth Long¬
fellow, the poet. It is a spacious building, standing at the upper of two terraces,
which are ascended by five stone steps. At each front of the house is a lofty elm,
mere saplings when Washington was there. Everything within is sacredly pre¬
served in its ancient style, for the hand of the iconoclast, Improvement, has not been
allowed to strike a single blow there.

J The house in which Washington resided at Morristown is well preserved. It is
about a quarter of a mile eastward of the village green. Washington first occupied
it in the winter of 1777, after his brilliant achievements at Trenton and Princeton.
He was again there during the winter of 1779-’80. During the war it was the resi¬
dence of Widow Ford, mother of the late Judge Gabriel Ford, who lived there until
his death, which occurred a few years ago. It, too, is quite a spacious mansion,
pleasantly situated near the highway. There in the autumn of 1848, while Judge
Ford was yet living, I passed a night, and slept in the room occupied by General
Washington and his lady. The carpet and some of the furniture were the same
that belonged to the room when that illustrious couple occupied it.

274

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Newburgh,* New Windsor,' f West Point, J and other
places, the buildings are still preserved; but of the

* The headquarters at Newburgh presents a point of great attraction to tourists
on the Hudson during the summer season. It is a rather small, old-fashioned Dutch
house, fronting the river, and now belongs to the state of New York, it having come
into its possession by foreclosure of a mortgage. It is in charge of the public author¬
ities at Newburgh, and has been thoroughly repaired, care having been taken to
preserve the ancient form of every part that was renewed. It was dedicated to the
public service with appropriate ceremonies, on the fourth of July, 1850, when Major-
General Winfield Scott, who was present, hoisted the American flag upon a lofty
staff that had just been erected near. At the foot of that flag-staff, as we have
already observed, the last survivor of Washington’s Life-Guard lies buried.

The front door of this mansion opens into a large square room, which -was used
by Washington for his public audiences, and as a dining hall. It is remarkable as
having seven doors, and only one window. In the December number of the New
York Mirror for 1834, is an interesting account of this old building, by Gulian C.
Verplanck, Esq. He relates the following anecdote connected with this room,
which he received from Colonel Nicholas Fish, father of the late governor of the
state of New York. Just before Lafayette’s death, himself and the American minis¬
ter, with several of his countrymen, were invited to dine at the house of the dis¬
tinguished Frenchman, Marbois, who was the French secretary of legation here dur¬
ing the Revolution. At the supper hour the company were shown into a room which
contrasted quite oddly with the Parisian elegance of the other apartments where they
had spent the evening. A low boarded, painted ceiling, with large beams, a single
small, uncurtained window, with numerous small doors, as well as the general style
of the whole, gave, at first, the idea of the kitchen, or largest room of a Dutch or
Belgian farm-house. On a long rough table was a repast, just as little in keeping
with the refined kitchens of Paris as the room was with its architecture. It consisted
of a large dish of meat, uncouth-looking pastry, and wine in decanters and bottles,
accompanied by glasses and silver mugs, such as indicated other habits and tastes
than those of modern Paris. “ Do you know where we now are ?” said the host to
Lafayette and his companions. They paused for a few minutes in surprise. They
had seen something like this before, but when and where 1 “ Ah ! the seven doors

and one window,” said Lafayette, “ and the silver camp-goblets, such as the mar¬
shals of France used in my youth! We are at Washington’s headquarters on the
Hudson, fifty years ago !”

f Washington lived in a plain Dutch house at New Windsor, which has long
since passed away. He occupied it first on the twenty-third of June, 1779, and
again toward the close of 1780, where he remained until the summer of 1781. In
that humble tenement, Mrs. Washington entertained the most distinguished officers
and their ladies, as well as the most obscure, who sought her friendship. New
Windsor village is about two miles beiow Newburgh.

J Washington never remained at West Point long at a time, and, properly
speaking, he had no headquarters there. At this time not a single building of any

Washington’s headquarters.

275

Valley Forge it is doubtful whether there exists at this
time any remains of the headquarters so memorable in
the history of the days of trial.*

If the headquarters at Morristown were bleak and
gloomy, from being located in a mountainous region, and
occupied in the depth of winter, f the soldier was cheered
amid his privations by the proud and happy remembrance
of his triumphs at the close of the campaign of 1776.J

kind remains that was standing on or near the Point during the Revolution.
There may be seen the mounds of Fort Clinton, and upon the mountain, westward,
five hundred feet above the plateau on which the Military Academy now stands,
may be seen the grey ruins of Fort Putnam, finely relieved by surrounding ever¬
greens. Nearly opposite West Point, on the eastern shore of the Hudson, is the
well-preserved mansion of Beverly Robinson, where Arnold had his quarters, and
from which he fled for refuge on board the British sloop-of-war Vulture.

* The Potts House, the residence of Washington at Valley Forge, is well-pre¬
served. It is at the mouth of the valley, near the banks of the Schuylkill. It is a
substantial stone building. The main portion was erected by Isaac Potts (who had
ironworks there), in 1770. A wing, used as a kitchen, is on the site of the log ad¬
dition to which Mrs. Washington thus alluded in a letter to Mrs. Mercy Warren,
written in the spring of 1778 : “ The general’s apartment is very small ; he has had a
log cabin built to dine in, which has made our quarters much more tolerable than
they were at first.” When I visited the house, a few years ago, I was shown a cavity
in the deep east window, formed with a lid, in which the commander-in-chief kept
his papers while he resided there. Mr. Potts, the Quaker who owned the house
when Washington occupied it, relates that one day while the Americans were
encamped at Valley Forge, he strolled up the creek, and when not far from his dam,
heard a solemn voice. He walked quietly in the direction of it, and saw Washing¬
ton’s horse tied to a sapling. In a thicket near by was the beloved chief upon his
knees in prayer, his cheeks suffused with tears. Like Moses at the bush, Isaac felt
that he was upon holy ground, and withdrew unobserved. He was much agitated,
and, on entering the room where his wife was, he burst into tears. On her inquiring
the cause, he informed her of what he had seen, and added, “ If there is any one on
this earth whom the Lord will listen to, it is George Washington ; and I feel a pre¬
sentiment that under such a commander there can be no doubt of our eventually
establishing our independence, and that God in his providence hath willed it so.”

t Morristown is in the hill-country of East Jersey, and was considered a most
secure and eligible place for a winter encampment ; not easily accessible by the
enemy, and surrounded by a fertile country.

X The brilliant achievements at Trenton and Princeton, which led to the speedy
expulsion of the British from New Jersey, except at Brunswick and Amboy.

276

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Not such were the associations that attended the head¬
quarters at Valley Forge, at the close of the campaign
of 1777. The American army, defeated in two hard-
fought general engagements,* beheld its enemy comfort¬
ably housed in Philadelphia, while it was compelled at
an inclement season to retire to a forest, there to erect
huts for shelter, and where it afterwards endured the
greatest extremities of human suffering.^ But Wash-

* Brandywine and Germantown.

t The courage of the battle-field dwindles almost into insignificance when com¬
pared with that sublime heroism displayed by the American soldiery at Valley
Forge, in the midst of frost and snow, disease and destitution. They had marched
and countermarched, day and night, in endeavoring to baffle the designs of a power¬
ful enemy to their country and its liberties ; now they were called upon, in the midst
of comparative inaction, to war with enemies more insidious, implacable, and per¬
sonal. Hunger and nakedness assailed that dreary winter-camp, with all their pro¬
geny of disease and woe. Thither, as we have seen, the soldiers came with naked
and bleeding feet; and there they sat down where destitution held court, and
ruled with an icy sceptre. The prevalence of toryism in the vicinity, the avaricious
peculations of some unprincipled commissioners, the tardy movements of Congress
in supplying provisions, and the close proximity of a powerful enemy, combined to
make the procurement of provisions absolutely impracticable without resort to force.
But few horses were in the camp ; and such was the deficiency, in this respect, for
the ordinary, as well as extraordinary occasions of the army, that the men, in many
instances, cheerfully yoked themselves to vehicles of their own construction, for
carrying wood and provisions when procured ; while others performed the duty of
pack-horses, and carried heavy burdens of fuel upon their backs. — Bossing’s Field-
Book of the Revolution , ii. 129.

On the sixteenth of February, 1778, Washington wrote to Governor Clinton,
“ For some days past there has been little less than a famine in the camp. A part
of the army has been a week without any kind of flesh, and the rest three or four
days. Naked and starving as they are, we can not enough admire the incomparable
patience and fidelity of the soldiery, that they have not been, ere this, excited by
their sufferings to a general mutiny and desertion.” — “ The situation of the camp
is such,” wrote General Varnum to General Greene, on the twelfth of February,
“ that in all human probability the army must dissolve. Many of the troops are
destitute of meat, and are several days in arrears. The horses are dying for want
of forage. The country in the vicinity of the camp is exhausted. There can not
be a moral certainty of bettering our condition while we remain here. What con¬
sequences have we rationally to expect V’ — “It was with great difficulty,” says
Doctor Thacher, “ that men enough could be found in a condition fit to discharge

Washington’s headquarters.

277

ington was in the midst of his faithful companions in
arms, ever employed in limiting their privations, in alle¬
viating their miseries, and holding up to them the hopes
of better fortunes. And oft in the rude wintry night,
when the tempest howled among the hovels, and the
shivering sentry paced his lonely round, would his eye
be attracted to the taper that burned in the headquar¬
ters, where the man of mighty labors, watching while
others slept, toiled in the cause of unborn millions.

At the headquarters of the Valley Forge occurred
some of the most memorable incidents of the war for Inde¬
pendence. It was there the general received the appal¬
ling intelligence that not another ration was in store to
issue to his troops. It was there that he was forced, by
a stern and painful necessity, to use the high powers
vested in him by Congress, to seize upon provisions for
the relief of his starving soldiers * It was there, while
struggling with dangers and difficulties, while borne
down with the cares and sorrows of his country’s cause,
that Washington was informed of the cabatf then agita-

the military camp duties from day to day ; and for this purpose, those who were
naked borrowed of those who had clothes.” Unprovided with materials to raise
their beds from the ground, the dampness occasioned sickness and death. “ The
army, indeed, was not without consolation,” says Thacher, “ for his excellency, the
commander-in-chief, whom every soldier venerates and loves, manifested a fatherly
concern and fellow-feelings, and made every exertion in his power to remedy the
evil, and to administer the much-desired relief.”

* The Congress, by resolution, authorized Washington to seize grain, forage,
and other supplies, for the use of the army, within an area of seventy miles around
his camp, the whole to be paid for. The tories were so abundant in Pennsylvania
at that time, that this measure appeared necessary, for they would not sell provisions
for the “ rebel ” camp. In February, W ashington reluctantly used his power, by
compelling the farmers to thrash out their grain. He condemned the system ; and in
a letter to the board of war, he said, “ Supplies of provisions and clothing must be
had in another way, or the army can not exist.”

t This is known in history as Conway's Cabal, a French officer of Irish birth,

278

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

ting in Congress and the army, for the removal of the
commander-in-chief.

But, with all these glooms, there were glories too, that
shed their lustre upon the headquarters at Talley Forge.
There was first proclaimed to the army the grateful
tidings of the alliance with France f and it was from

named Thomas Conway, then holding the commission of a brigadier in the Ameri¬
can army, being one of the chief actors in the matter. Generals Gates and Mifflin
of the army, and James Lovell and other New England delegates in Congress,
were associated with Conway in the affair. The design of the conspirators (if
blundering and not thoroughly colluding schemers may be called conspirators), was
to deprive Washington of the chief command of the American armies, and give it to
General Gates, or General Lee. Both of these officers had, from the beginning of
the war, aspired to that honor, and Gates was fully identified with the movement to
displace Washington. Conway appears to have been more the instrument of others
than a voluntary and independent plotter. The whole nefarious plan was dis¬
covered, and recoiled with fearful force upon the conspirators. Washington acted
with great judgment and forbearance throughout, having an eye single to the public
good. “ My enemies,” he said, “ take an ungenerous advantage of me. They
know the delicacy of my situation, and that motives of policy deprive me of the
defence I might otherwise make against their insidious attacks. They know I can
not combat their insinuations, however injurious, without disclosing secrets which it
is of the utmost moment to conceal.”

* Early in the struggle, the colonists sent commissioners to Europe to solicit the
aid and friendship of the continental powers. The French government evinced
much sympathy for the Americans, extended some aid secretly, and promised more ;
but, until the capture of Burgoyne, when the Americans showed how able they were
to help themselves, none of the European powers ventured to fly in the face of Eng¬
land, by openly aiding the revolted colonists. When that event became known,
the aspect of American affairs wore a brighter hue abroad ; and on the sixth of
February, 1778, two treaties, one of Alliance , and the other of Amity and Commerce ,
were concluded and signed by the representatives of France and the United States.
Intelligence of this joyful event reached Washington at Valley Forge, at midnight,
on the third of May, and the sixth was set apart for a grand military fete and jubilee
by the army. The day was fine, and the roar of artillery and shouts of the soldiery
attested their great joy. Washington and his general officers, with their ladies,
attended the religious services of the New Jersey brigade, and then repaired to head¬
quarters and partook of a collation provided by the commander-in-chief. The enter¬
tainment was concluded with patriotic toasts. When the chief and his suite with¬
drew for a tour of inspection, there was a universal shout, “ Long live General
Washington ! ” This continued until they had proceeded some distance, when the

Washington’s headquarters.

279

that scene of so many trials and sufferings that, on the
return of the genial season, the modern Fabius marched
again to grapple with his formidable and well-appointed
foe, and to wrest from him, after a most gallant and
hard-fought conflict, a glorious victory on the plains of
Monmouth.*

The headquarters were under canvass during the siege
and after the surrender of York town. The marquees of
the commander-in-chief were pitched in the rear of the
grand battery, just out of the range of the enemy’s
shells.f There were two marquees attached to the
headquarters during all the campaigns. The larger, or
banqueting tent, would contain from forty to fifty per¬
sons ; the smaller, or sleeping tent, had an inner-cham¬
ber, where, on a hard cot-bed, the chief reposed. There
are most interesting reminiscences attached to the sleep¬
ing tent. The headquarters, even during the summer
season, were located, in a great majority of instances, in
private dwellings, the sleeping tent being pitched in the
yard, or very near at hand. Within its venerable folds,
Washington was in the habit of seeking privacy and
seclusion, where he could commune with himself, and
where he wrote the most memorable of his despatches in
the Revolutionary war. He would remain in the retire-

generqi and his party turned and huzzaed several times, while a thousand hats were
tossed in the air.

* See chapter on battle of Monmouth.

t The late Doctor Eneas Munson, of New Haven, who was then attached to the
medical staff of the American army, informed me that while vigorous assaults upon
two or three English redoubts were in progress, Washington left his marquee, and
with Lincoln, Knox, and one or two other officers, disengaged at the time, stood
within the grand battery, watching every movement through the embrasures. When
the last redoubt was captured, Washington turned to Knox, and said, “ The work
is done, and well done and then called to his servant, “ Billy, hand me my horse.”

280

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

ment of the sleeping tent sometimes for hours, giving
orders to the officer of his guard that he should on no
account be disturbed, save on the arrival of an important
express. The objects of his seclusion being accomplished,
the chief would appear at the canvass door of the mar¬
quee, with despatches in his hand, giving which to his
secretary to copy and transmit, he would either mount
his charger for a tour of inspection, or return to the
headquarters and enjoy social converse with his officers.

The marquees were made in Third street, Philadel¬
phia, under the direction of Captain Moulder, of the
artillery* and were first pitched on the heights of Dor¬
chester, in March, 1776.f

The Life-Guard was attached to the headquarters from
the time of its formation till the end of the war. This
chosen corps of picked men, with Gibbs and Colfax, and
their gallant officers, was always in the finest order,
proud of its being attached to the person of the chief,
and appearing smart and soldierly, even in the worst
times.

In our memoirs of the Pater Patriae, we shall continue

* Captain Moulder commanded the American artillery in the battle at Princeton,
on the third of January, 1777.

f Washington took command of the army before Boston, on the third of July,
1775, and, with the aid of General Gates, who was the adjutant-general, prepared
the troops for a regular siege of the city. It was resolved to capture or expel the
invaders, and for this purpose, a line of fortifications was built, extending from
Charlestown Neck, near Bunker Hill, to Roxbury. For several months the Ameri¬
cans hemmed in the British army upon the little peninsula on which Boston stands.
Finally, early in March, 1776, the republicans, under cover of night, proceeded to
Dorchester heights with every precaution, and before morning constructed such for¬
midable military works there, that the British commander was alarmed for the safety
of his troops and shipping. The occupation of this eligible position led to a speedy
evacuation of Boston by the invaders, and the recovery of that important position
by the Americans.

Washington’s headquarters.

281

to introduce some mention of the distinguished patriots,
statesmen, and soldiers, who enjoyed his intimacy and
were dear to his affections. High on this honored list
appears, in bold relief, the name of Jonathan Trumbull,
the patriotic governor of Connecticut during the whole
of the Revolution. He was, indeed, well fitted for *the
times in which he flourished, and such an one as revolu¬
tion alone seems capable of producing. Wise to con¬
ceive, and energetic to execute, his prudence equalled
his courage in the conspicuous part he was destined to
bear in those momentous concerns that eventuated in the
independence of his country ; yet did he “ bear his high
offices so meekly,” that he was as deservedly beloved for
the mildness of his private virtues as he was admired for
the stern unyielding integrity with which he discharged
his public duties. It is enough for his fame, or his epi¬
taph, that he was a man after Washington’s own heart.*

* Jonathan Trumbull was born at Lebanon, Connecticut, on the ninteenth of June,
1710. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1727, and commenced the study of
theology with the Reverend Solomon Williams, of Lebanon. The death of an elder
brother, who was engaged in mercantile business with his father, at Lebanon,
caused him to become a merchant instead of a clergyman. At the age of twenty-
three he was elected a member of the Connecticut assembly, where his business capa¬
cities raised him rapidly in public estimation. He was elected lieutenant-governor
of the colony in 1766, and by virtue of that office became chief-justice of the superior
court. His first bold step in opposition to Great Britain was in refusing to take the
oath enjoined in 1768, which was an almost unconditional submission to all the power
claimed by Parliament ; nor would he be present when others, more timorous than
he, took it. Because of his firmness he was elected governor of the colony in 1769,
and he had the proud distinction of being the only colonial governor, at the com¬
mencement of the Revolution, who espoused the cause of the colonies. He was con¬
sidered the whig leader in New England while the Adamses and Hancock were legis¬
lating in the continental Congress ; and during the whole contest no man was more
implicitly relied upon as a firm, consistent, and active friend of liberty, than Gov¬
ernor Trumbull. “ General Washington relied on him,” says Sparks, “ as one of his
main pillars of support*” In 1783, when peace for the colonies returned, Governor
Trumbull, then seventy-three years of age, declined a re-election to the office of gov-

282

BECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

When the news arrived in Connecticut of the battle
of Lexington,* Putnam, who was ploughing in his field,
instantly repaired to the governor for orders. “ Go,”
said Trumbull, “to the scene of action.” — “But my
clothes, governor?” — “Oh, never mind your clothes,”
continued Trumbull, “ your military experience will be
of service to your countrymen.” — “But my men, gov¬
ernor; what shall I do about my men?” — “Oh, never
mind your men,” continued the man for the times, “I’ll
send your men after you.” Putnam hurried to Cam¬
bridge.*}*

ernor, which he had held fourteen consecutive years. He retired from public life,
but did not live long to enjoy, in the bosom of his family, the quiet he so much coveted.
He was seized with a malignant fever in August, 1785, and on the seventeenth of
that month died, at the age of seventy-five years.

* When, in 1774, it became evident to the Americans that war was inevitable, un
less they would consent to be slaves, they began to prepare for conflict. In Massa.
chusetts, in particular, the republican leaders labored with great zeal to place the
province in a condition to rise in open and united rebellion, when necessity should
demand it. Governor Gage, in Boston, became alarmed, and commenced fortifying
the Neck. The exasperated people began to collect munitions of war, and soon pub¬
lic affairs were like a sleeping volcano.

In April, 1775, Gage had three thousand British troops in Boston, ready to sup¬
port the governor in any oppressive measure which he might choose to employ. He
felt uneasy concerning some ammunition and stores which the republicans had
gathered at Concord, sixteen miles from Boston, and on the night of the eighteenth
of April, he sent out a secret expedition to destroy them. Vigilant patriots gave
the alarm, and when the ministerial troops approached Lexington, a few miles from
Concord, in the gray of early morning, they found seventy determined men standing
upon the green, ready to oppose them. Pitcairn, the leader of the advanced corps,
ordered them to lay down their arms and disperse. They stood firm. The British
fired. A skirmish ensued, and several of the citizens were killed and wounded. The
British then went on to Concord, had a fight with the Americans there, and finding
the whole country rising, retreated to Boston, with great loss.

f Israel Putnam was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on the seventh of January,
1718, and at Pomfret, Connecticut, he cultivated land during many of the earlier years
of his life. He was appointed to the command of some of the first troops raised in Con
necticut for the French and Indian war in 1755, and during the whole of that long
contest he was distinguished for bravery, in the wilds of northern New York. He
distinguished himself at Bunker Hill, at the head of Connecticut troops in 1775, and

Washington’s headquarters.

283

One of the most urgent appeals for assistance that
ever emanated from the American headquarters was con¬
tained in a despatch to the governor of Connecticut. It
was dated from the camp, near the North river, in the
latter years of the war.*

Governor Trumbull was alone in his room of business ;
on the table were various letters and despatches, some

a few days afterward was appointed by the continental Congress one of the four
major-generals of the grand army. He served his country faithfully until 1779,
when partial paralysis prostrated him. His mind preserved ils elasticity until his
death, which occurred at Brooklyn, Connecticut, on the twenty-ninth of May, 1790,
at the age of seventy-two years.

* This despatch was a circular letter, which was sent to the governors of each of
the eastern states. It was dated at “New Windsor, 10th May, 1781. ” After
stating that General Heath had consented to visit the New England states to “ repre¬
sent the present distresses of the army for want of provision,” &c., Washington said,
“ From the post at Saratoga to that of Dobb’s ferry inclusive, I believe there is not
(by the returns and report I have received) at this moment one day’s supply of meat
for the army on hand. Our whole dependence for this article is on the eastern
states; their resources, I am persuaded, are ample. To request and urge that they
may be drawn forth regularly, and to be inforced with precision and certainty, what
may absolutely be depended upon through the campaign, are the objects of this ap¬
plication.

“ I have already made representations to the states of the want of provisions, the
distress of the army, and the innumerable embarrassments we have suffered in con¬
sequence ; not merely once or twice, but have reiterated them over and over again.
I have struggled to the utmost of my ability to keep the army together, but it will
be in vain without the effectual assistance of the states. I have now only to repeat
the alternative, which has been so often urged, that supplies, particularly of beef
cattle, must be speedily and regularly provided, or our posts can not be maintained,
nor the army kept in the field much longer. I entreat your excellency, that this
representation may be received in the serious light it is meant and deserves, or that
I may stand exculpated from the dreadful consequences, which must otherwise in¬
evitably follow in a very short time.”

A few days afterward, Washington held a conference with Rochambeau, at
Weathersfield, in Connecticut, and from that place he wrote another urgent circular
letter. In his Diary of the twentieth of May, he wrote : “Had a good deal of pri¬
vate conversation with Governor Trumbull, who gave it to me as his opinion, that if
any important offensive operations should be undertaken, he had little doubt of our
obtaining men and provisions adequate to our wants. In this opinion Colonel
Wadsworth and others concurred.”

284

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

just opened and others sealed for immediate transmission ;
a cocked-hat, of the cut and fashion of the days of George
II., the governor’s sole insignia of office, was also on the
table, while the chief magistrate himself was busily en¬
gaged in writing.

An aid-de-camp of the commander-in-chief was intro¬
duced, much worn and “ travel stained” from the haste
of his journey. The governor rose, and, while cordially

welcoming Colonel - , inquired after the health of his

excellency, and what news from the army. The aid-de-
camp replied that the general was well, and the news
from the army of a very sombre character, and presented
a letter. The letter was very short. It contained an
apology from Washington for having applied for assist¬
ance where it had been so often and so liberally rendered
before, but continued that the situation of the army was
critical in the extreme, the country adjacent to the camp
being completely exhausted, as well by the enemy’s as
by his own foraging parties ; and concluded by lamenting
that, unless supplies could be speedily obtained, he should
be obliged to abandon his position, and fall back into the
interior to obtain the necessary subsistence for the troops.

The governor pondered for a moment upon the con¬
tents of the letter, then rising, and cordially grasping the
colonel by the hand, observed, in a firm yet cheerful
tone, “When you return to camp, bear with you, my
dear sir, my love and duty to his excellency, and say to
him that brave old Connecticut, patriotic Connecticut, is
not quite exhausted, but for every barrel of provisions
she has furnished to the cause of liberty, she will furnish
another, and yet another, to the same glorious cause : say
further, that on such a day our teams may be looked for

Washington’s headquarters.

285

on the bank of the North river.” The aid-de-camp de¬
parted rejoicing.

And now the patriot became 66 every inch” the execu¬
tive officer. From his intimate acquaintance with the
resources of his native state, he knew exactly where
those resources were to be obtained, and their facilities
for transportation, for with him everything was done by
method and regularity. His orders flew in all directions.
And his orders were obeyed.

Meantime, the return of the aid-de-camp to head¬
quarters with intelligence of the promised supplies dif¬
fused' a general gladness throughout the army. When
the expected day arrived, many an anxious eye was
turned to the road leading from the eastward to the
landing on the North river.* A dust is seen in the dis¬
tance, and presently are heard the cries of the teamsters,
urging their fine oxen, while the heavy-laden wains groan
under their generous burdens. A shout rings through
the American camp, and the commander-in-chief, attend¬
ed by his officers, ride to an eminence to witness the ar¬
rival of the welcome supplies.

Governor Trumbull had two sons attached to the
headquarters: John, the distinguished artist, and the
last of the aids-de-camp, j* and Jonathan, military secre-

* Fishkill landing, opposite Newburgh.

t John Trumbull was bora in Lebanon, Connecticut, in June, 1756. He com¬
menced his career as a painter at the age of eighteen years. He had been gradu¬
ated at Harvard college the previous year. His first historical composition, the
Battle of Cannes, was painted in 1774. At the breaking out of the Revolutionary
war he entered the army as adjutant of the first Connecticut regiment, and went to
Roxbury, near Boston. Washington heard of his talent for drawing, and employed
him to sketch a draught of the enemy’s works. His success commended the young
painter to Washington, and in August, the commander-in-chief appointed him his
aid-de-camp. In 1776 he was in the northern department, under Gates. The fol¬
lowing year he left the army, and resumed his profession at Boston. He went first

286

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

tary to the commander-in-chief at the siege of York-
town*

Among the great variety of persons and character that
were to be found from time to time at and about the
headquarters, was the famed Captain Molly, already
mentioned in the chapter on the Battle of Monmouth.
After her heroic achievements at the battle of Mon¬
mouth, the heroine was always received with a cordial
welcome at headquarters, where she was employed in
the duties of the household. She always wore an ar¬
tilleryman’s coat, with the cocked-hat and feather, the
distinguishing costume of Proctor’s artillery. One day
the chief accosted this remarkable woman, while she was
engaged in washing some clothes, pleasantly observing :
“Well, Captain Molly, are you not almost tired of this
quiet way of life, and longing to be once more on the
field of battle Troth, your excellency,” replied the
heroine, “ and ye may say that ; for I care not how soon

to Paris, and then to London, in 1780, and in the latter city placed himself under
the instruction of Benjamin West. The political sins of his father were visited
upon his head. On suspicion of his being a secret rebel agent, he wras im¬
prisoned eight months, and then banished from the kingdom, West and Copley
becoming his securities. He returned home in January, 1782, and formed a
connection with the army, as aid to the chief. At the close of the war he
again went to England, where he pursued his profession with zeal for seve¬
ral years. Finally he contemplated a series of pictures illustrative of American
history. He arrived in New York in 1789, and was favored with sittings by Wash¬
ington and other distinguished men of the Revolution. Having collected much ma¬
terial, he again went to England, as private secretary to Mr. Jay, the American em¬
bassador. He returned to America in 1804, but did not remain long. He lived in
England until the close of the war of 1812-,15, and then came home. He was en¬
gaged to paint four large pictures for the rotunda of the new federal capitol. These
pictures occupied him seven years, and are, Signers of the Declaration of Independence ,
the Surrender of Burgoyne, the Surrender at Yorktoum, and Washington resigning his
Commission. He died in the city of New York on the tenth of November, 1843, in
the eighty-eighth year of his age.

* See note on page 174.

Washington’s headquarters.

287

I have another slap at them red-coats, bad luck to them.”
“ But what is to become of your petticoats in such an
event, Captain Molly?” — “Oh, long life to your excel¬
lency, and never de ye mind them at all at all,” continued
this intrepid female. “ Sure and it is only in the artillery
your excellency knows that I would sarve, and divil a
fear but the smoke of the cannon will hide my petti¬
coats.”

The name and memory of headquarters expired not
with the war of the Revolution, but was preserved in the
Presidoliads of New York and Philadelphia,* where hun¬
dreds of the war-worn veterans of the days of trial re¬
paired, as they said, to headquarters , to pay their respects,
and inquire after the health of his excellency and the
good Lady Washington. All were made welcome and
“ kindly bid to stay and while they quaffed a generous
glass to the health of their beloved chief, the triumphs
of Trenton and Princeton, of Monmouth and Yorktown,
“ were freshly remembered.”

And poor Pat, too, reverently with hat in hand, would
approach the headquarters. “ To be sure, he would say,
that he well knew his excellency had no time to spare
to the likes of him. He just called to inquire after his
honor’s health, long life to him, and the good Lady
Washington, the poor soldier’s friend.” But, taking the
steward aside, with a knowing look, would observe :
“ Now, my darlint, if his excellency should happen to in-

* The federal Congress held its first session, under the present constitution, in the
city of New York, where Washington was inaugurated president of the United States,
ou the thirtieth of April, 1789. The seat of government was removed to Philadel¬
phia in 1790, the Congress assembling there on the first Monday in December of that
year. That city continued to be the seat of government until the year 1800, when
the Congress assembled for the first time in the city of Washington.

288

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

quire who it was that called, just tell him it was one of
ould Mad Anthony’s boys. Hurrah for Ameriky !” And
repeating the shout that so often had rang above the
battle’s roar, the veteran would go on his way rejoicing.

It may be, in the course of human events, that upon
the places at Morristown and the Valley Forge, where
the soldier of liberty erected his cheerless hut, the domes
and spires of cities may arise in the splendid progress of
a mighty empire, hut the patriotic American of that
future day, proud of the fame of the Father of his Country,
and glorying in the recollections of America’s heroic time,
will pass by the palaces of pomp and power, to pay hom¬
age to the mouldering ruins of the headquarters.*

* There are several other buildings, besides those already mentioned, yet standing,
that were used as headquarters by Washington. The best preserved of them are
located as follows : near Chad’s ford on the Brandywine, and at White Marsh, four¬
teen miles from Philadelphia, in Pennsylvania ; the Hopper house, four miles south
of the Ramapo Pass, an old mansion at Rocky Hill, where his farewell address
to the army was written, in New Jersey ; at Tappan, in Rockland county, Quaker
Hill, in Duchess county, near White Plains, and at Dobb’s ferry, in Westchester
county; and at No. 1 Broadway, and Madam Jumel’s mansion near Port Wash¬
ington, on York or Manhattan island, in the state of New York.

MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION.

289

CHAPTER X.

MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION.*

The American Camp in New Jersey — A Night Scene — Appearance op a Stranger —
A Clergyman seeks an Interview with "Washington — His Admission to the Presence
op the Chief — Washington Warned concerning General Charles Lee — Doctor
Griffith — Conduct of General Lee at Monmouth — Riyington and Secret Service —
The Quaker Loan — Rivington Faithful — Solution of the Mystery — Washington
and Rivington — Secret Interview — Rivington’s Manners — Amount of Secret Ser¬
vice Money used — Its Value to the Country.

It was Saturday night, the twenty-seventh of June,
1778, when the American army, after a toilsome march
in a tropical heat, halted for rest and refreshment in the
county of Monmouth, New Jersey The weary soldiers
were gathered in groups, some preparing the evening
meal, while others, exhausted by their march, threw
themselves on the ground to seek repose. The short
night of June was waning, the watch-fires burned dimly,
and silence reigned around. Not so at headquarters.^
There lights were seen, while the chief, seated at a table,
wrote or dictated despatches, which were folded and
directed by aid-de-camp and secretaries, while near at
hand were expresses, seated like statues upon their
drowsy horses, awaiting orders; and ever and anon an
officer would approach them with the words, “ This for

* Published in the National Intelligencer , on the twenty-second of February, 1856.
t See note on page 211.

X The American army was encamped that night upon the Manatapan creek, be¬
tween Cranberry and Englishtown, a few miles from Monmouth courthouse.

290

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Major-General - - ; ride with speed and spare not the

spur ; ” and in a moment the horseman would disappear
in the surrounding gloom. Suddenly a stranger appeared
on the scene. He wore no martial costume, neither had
he the measured tread of the soldier ; in truth his appear¬
ance was anything but militaire. On being challenged
by the sentinel, he answered, " Doctor Griffith, chaplain
and surgeon in the Virginia line, on business highly im¬
portant with the commander-in-chief.” The cry of ".Of¬
ficer of the guard !” brought forth that functionary, so
necessary a personage in a night camp.* The officer
shook his head, and waving his hand said, " No, sir, no ;
impossible ; intensely engaged ; my orders positive ; can’t
be seen on any account.” The reverend gentleman
quailed not, but said to the officer who barred his pas¬
sage, " Present, sir, my humble duty to his excellency,
and say that Doctor Griffith waits upon him with secret
and important intelligence, and craves an audience of
only five minutes’ duration.”

The high respect in which the clergy of the American
army was held by Washington was known to every officer
and soldier in its ranks. This, together with the impos¬
ing nature of the chaplain’s visit, induced the officer of
the guard to enter the headquarters and report the cir¬
cumstance to the general. He, quickly returning, ushered
the chaplain into the presence of the commander-in-chief.

Washington, still with pen in hand, received his mid¬
night visiter courteously, when Griffith observed ; 66 The
nature of the communication I am about to make to
your excellency must be my apology for disturbing you
at this hour of the night. While I am not permitted to

* Officer of the Life-Guard.

MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION.

291

divulge the names of the authorities from whom I have
obtained my information, I can assure you they are of
the very first order, whether in point of character or
attachment to the cause of American independence. I
have sought this interview to warn your excellency
against the conduct of Major-General Lee in to-morrow’s
battle. My duty is fulfilled, and I go now to pray to the
God of battles for success to our arms, and that he may
always have your excellency in his holy keeping.” The
chaplain retired, the officer of the guard (by signal from
the chief) accompanying the reverend gentleman to the
line of the sentinels. Doctor Griffith survived the war
and became rector of a parish in which Washington wor¬
shipped. He was elected first bishop of Virginia under
the new regime, but was never consecrated. He sickened
and died in Philadelphia, in 1789. He was a ripe scholar,
a pious minister, and an ardent enthusiast in the cause of
American independence.*

* Reverend David Griffith was a native of the city of New York, and was edu¬
cated partly there and partly in England, for the medical profession. He took
his degrees in London, returned to America, and entered upon the duties of his pro¬
fession in the interior of New York, about the year 1763. Having resolved to
enter the ministry of the Protestant Episcopal church, he went to London in the
year 1770, and there, on the nineteenth of August, was ordained by Bishop Terrick.
He was a missionary in West Jersey for a while, and at the close of 1771, became
rector of Shelburne parish, in Loudon county, Virginia. In 1776 he entered the
military service as chaplain to the third Virginia regiment, and continued in that
position until some time in the year 1780, when he became rector of Christ church,
Alexandria. There he remained until his death, in 1789. During a large portion
of that time Washington was his parishoner, and Doctor Griffith frequently visited
Mount Vernon as a welcome guest. He was chosen bishop of Virginia in 1786,
but such was the depressed state of the church in that diocese, that funds sufficient
to defray his expenses to London, to receive consecration, could not be raised. He
resigned all claims to the office in May, 1789, and while attending the general con¬
vention of the church at Philadelphia, a few weeks later, died at the house of Bishop
White.

292

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

When the warning became known in the army it
created many conjectures as to the sources from whence
the chaplain acquired his information. Nothing ever
transpired, and the secret died, while the mystery re¬
mains to the present time.*

The conduct of General Lee in the battle of Mon-,
mouth very fairly justified the warning of the chaplain.
It is certain that that brave and skilful commander had
no leaning toward the enemy, but it is thought that he
expected, by throwing things into confusion, to lessen
the merits of Washington in the public estimation, for
he aspired to be the commander of the army.j*

* The author of these Recollections received the foregoing account of the warning
given to Washington by Doctor Griffith, from Colonel Nicholas, of Virginia, who
was an officer of the Life-Guard at that time.

t The charity for Lee expressed by the author of these Recollections is not justified
by recent revelations. Lee undoubtedly entertained treasonable designs at that
moment. That he had held treasonable intercourse with the enemy previous to this
time, his own handwriting bears testimony. That proof is in the form of a manu¬
script of eight foolscap pages, in Lee’s own peculiar handwriting, prepared while he
was a prisoner in New York, and dated the twenty-ninth day of March, 1777, in
which he submits to Lord and Sir William Howe, a plan for the easy subjugation of
the colonies. It is endorsed in the known handwriting of Lord Howe’s secretary —
“Plan of Mr. Lee, 1777.” In it Lee professed to desire a cessation of bloodshed,
as he considered the issue doubtful. His plan was to dissolve the system of resist¬
ance which centered in the government of Congress. He regarded that system as
depending chiefly upon the people of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia; and
his plan looked to the reduction or submission of Maryland, and the preventing
Virginia from furnishing aid to the army then in New Jersey, and thus to dissolve
the whole machinery of resistance. He proposed an expedition against New Eng¬
land, so as to keep the inhabitants there at home, and make it an easy matter to
hold possession of New York and the Jerseys. He suggested that, simultaneously
with this movement eastward, a considerable force should be sent up the Chesapeake
bay, to land at and take possession of Annapolis, and march into the interior of
Maryland as far as Queen Anne. Another was to be despatched up the Potomac,
and take possession of Alexandria, when the two invading armies might form a
junction ; while a third should ascend the Delaware and capture Philadelphia. The
middle states would now be in subjection, and New England and the southern states
would be too wide apart to act in efficient concert. These things accomplished,

MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION.

293

The interview between Washington and Lee, and the
chivalric enthusiasm of Colonel Hamilton on that occa¬
sion, have been already described in our account of that
battle.

Of all the mysteries that occurred in the American
Revolution, the employment of Rivington, editor of the
Royal Gazette, in the secret service of the American
commander is the most astounding.*

and the system of resistance dismembered, all that would be necessary, to insure a
complete subjugation of the revolted states to the crown, would be the issuing of
proclamations of pardon to all who should desert the republican standard, and return
to their allegiance to King George.

With such evidence of his treason, it is easy to interpret much in the conduct of
Lee which has puzzled the historian and the student of our history. By the light of
this evidence we may easily explain his conduct after the fall of Fort Washington,
in the Autumn of 1776, until his disgraceful retreat on the field of Monmouth — his
tardy movements in New Jersey, when earnestly appealed to by Washington ; his
repeated disobedience of orders ; his capture by a small party of British light-horse
in New Jersey ; his provision with a suit of rooms in the City hall, New York,
while a prisoner, and his great intimacy with the British officers there ; his refusal
at first to take the required oath of allegiance at Yalley Forge; his intimations of
the intended movements of the enemy (according to the suggestions of his plan),
when they were about to evacuate Philadelphia ; his opposition to any attack on Sir
Henry Clinton ; and his conduct on the field of Monmouth. The document con¬
taining the evidences of his treason wras discovered at the close of 1857, among
some papers said to have been brought from Nova Scotia, and offered for sale in
New York. I first perused it on the second of January, 1858. It soon afterward
became the possession of Professor George H. Moore, librarian of the New York
Historical Society ; and this, and other circumstantial evidences of Lee’s treason,
were first made known to the world by that gentleman in a paper read by him before
that society in June following.

* James Rivington was a native of London, well educated, and of pleasing deport¬
ment. He came to America in the year 1760, and established a bookstore in Phila¬
delphia. The following year he opened one near the foot of Wall street, in New
York, where he established a paper called the Royal Gazetteer , in 1773. It was after¬
wards entitled the Royal Gazette. He took the ministerial side in politics when the
Revolution broke out, and became very obnoxious to the republicans, whom he
abused without stint. In the autumn of 1775, a company of Connecticut light-horse,
led by Captain Isaac Sears of New York, entered the city at noonday, proceeded to
Rivington’s printing establishment, placed a guard with fixed bayonets around it,
put all his types into bags, destroyed his press and other apparatus, and then in the

294

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The time that this remarkable connection took place
is of course unknown. There is much probability that it
may have commenced as early as the closing of the
campaign of 1776; as it is known that about that period
Eobert Morris borrowed of a Quaker five hundred guineas
in gold for the secret service of Washington’s army, and
that intelligence of vital and vast importance was obtained
from the disbursement of the Quaker loan .

The worthy Quaker said to Morris : “ How can I,
friend Eobert, who am a man of peace, lend thee money
for the purposes of war ? Friend George is, I believe, a
good man and fighting in a good cause ; but I am op¬
posed to fighting of any sort.” Morris, however, soon
managed to quiet old broadbrim’s scruples : the gold was
dug up from his garden and handed over to the com¬
mander-in-chief, whose application of it to the secret ser¬
vice produced the happiest effects upon the cause of the
Eevolution in that critical period of our destiny.*

same order, cheered by the shouts of the pleased populace, and the tune of Yankee
Doodle, left the city. Rivington then went to England. When, the following year,
the British took possession of New York, Rivington returned. In October, 1777, he
was appointed “king’s printer” in that city, and resumed the publication of his
paper, semi-weekly. After the war, his business declined, and he lived in compara¬
tive poverty until July 1802, when he died, at the age of seventy-eight years. A
portrait of Rivington, from a painting by Stuart, may be found in Lossing’s Field-
Book of the Revolution.

* “ This story,” says the author of these Recollections, in a note, “ was no mystery
in Philadelphia sixty-five years ago, when the man of peace was then living, per¬
fectly well known and deservedly esteemed, and enjoying the peace, liberty, and hap¬
piness which his gold had contributed to accomplish for his native land.”

Another transaction of a similar character, but on a larger scale, is related upon
good authority. After the capture of the Hessians at Trenton, and disposition of
them in Pennsylvania, Washington resolved to recross the Delaware and occupy the
field of his conquest. But the term of enlistment of many of his troops was about
to expire. To retain them he offered a bounty, to be paid in specie, and he applied
to Robert Morris for the metal, the credit of Congress being too low at that time tc
offer it as security to the lender. Morris received the application just at evening

MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION.

295

Rivington proved faithful to his bargain, and often
would intelligence of great importance, gleaned in con¬
vivial moments at Sir William’s, or Sir Henry’s table,* be
in the American camp before the convivialists bad slept
off the effects of their wine.

The business of the secret service was so well man¬
aged that even a suspicion never arose as to the medium
through which intelligence of vast importance was con¬
tinually being received in the American camp from the
very headquarters of the British army; and, had sus¬
picion arose, the king’s printer would probably have
been the last man suspected, for during the whole of his
connection with the secret service his Royal Gazette
literally piled abuse of every sort upon the American
general and the cause of America.f

He knew not where to apply for the money, and with a desponding spirit he left his
counting-room late in the evening, musing upon the subject. He met a wealthy
Quaker neighbor, and made known to him his wants. “ Robert,” he said, “ what
security canst thou give?” — “ My note and my honor,” replied Morris. “Thou
shalt have it,” was the quick response ; and a few hours later, Morris wrote to
Washington : “I was up early this morning to despatch a supply of fifty thousand
dollars to your excellency. It gives me pleasure that you have engaged the troops
to continue ; and, if further occasional supplies of money are necessary, you may
depend on my exertions, either in a public or private capacity.” Thus strengthened,
Washington turned his face toward the enemy.

The Quakers, as advocates of peace, were opposed to the war, and were among
the most determined loyalists throughout the Revolution. And that loyalty to the
king was not always passive, but with glaring inconsistency with their professions,
some of them, in Philadelphia, aided the British troops in their efforts to crush the
rebellion, so called. To such an extent did they exert an influence against the
patriots, that Congress thought it advisable to recommend the several states to keep
a watch upon their movements. Several leading Quakers were banished from Phila¬
delphia in 1777 ; and in November, 1778, John Roberts and Abraham Carlisle,
Quakers, who were found guilty of affording secret aid to the enemy, were hanged.

* Sir William Howe and Sir Henry Clinton.

t Never was an editor more unscrupulous in defaming his opponents, than Riving¬
ton. He paid no regard to truth or decency, but belabored the whigs with all his
might. He was most cordially hated by the republicans, and their writers even

296

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

In 1783 this remarkable mystery was solved. When
Washington entered New York a conqueror, on the eva¬
cuation by the British forces,* he said one morning to
two of his officers : “ Suppose, gentlemen, we walk down
to Rivington’s bookstore ; he is said to be a very pleas¬
ant kind of a fellow.” Amazed, as the officers were, at
the idea of visiting such a man, they of course prepared
to accompany the chief. When arrived at the bookstore,
Rivington received his visiters with great politeness ; for
he was indeed one of the most elegant gentlemen and
best bred men of the age. Escorting the party into a

after the war, never spared him when an opportunity offered to lash him. Philip
Freneau, one of the bards of the Revolution, gave him many a hard hit. In a poem
entitled Rivington’s Reflections, he thus referred to the editor’ s mendacity when
making him say, at the close of the war : —

“ For what have I done when we come to consider,

But sold my commodities to the best bidder ?

If I offered to lie for the sake of a post,

Was I to be blamed if the king offered most ?

The king’s royal printer ! — Five hundred a-year !

Between you and me ’twas a handsome affair :

Who would not for that give matters a stretch,

And lie backward and forward, and carry and fetch.”

* A preliminary treaty of peace between the United States and Great Britain,
was signed at Paris on the thirtieth of November, 1782, and a definitive treaty was
signed at the same place by American and English commissioners, on the third of
September, 1783. In that treaty, England acknowledged the independence of the
United States. By previous arrangement, the British army, which had occupied
New York seven years, was to leave it on the twenty-fifth of November, 1783. On
the morning of that day — a cold, frosty, but clear and brilliant morning — the Amer¬
ican troops, under General Knox, who had come down from West Point, and en¬
camped at Harlem, marched to the Bowery lane, and halted at the junction of the
present Third avenue and Bowery. Knox was accompanied by George Clinton,
the governor of the State of New York, with all the principal civil officers. There
they remained until about one o’clock in the afternoon, when the British left their
posts and marched to Whitehall (near the South ferry to Brooklyn) to embark.
The American troops, accompanied by Washington, followed, and before three
o’clock General Knox took formal possession of Fort George, amid the acclamations
of thousands of emancipated freemen, and the roar of artillery upon the Battery.

MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION.

297

parlor, he begged the officers to be seated, and then said
to the chief, 66 Will your excellency do me the honor to
step into the adjoining room for a moment that I may
show you a list of the agricultural works I am about to
order out from London for your special use?” They
retired. The locks on the doors of the houses in New
York more than threescore years ago were not so good
as now. The door of Rivington’s private room closed
very imperfectly and soon became ajar, when the officers
distinctly heard the chinking of two heavy purses of
gold as they were successively placed on a table.*

The party spon returned from the inner-room, when
Rivington pressed upon his guests a glass of Madeira,
which he assured them was a prime article, having im¬
ported it himself, and it having received the approbation
of Sir Henry and the most distinguished bon vivants of
the British army.f

* Rivington’s method of conveying intelligence to Washington was ingenious.
He published books of various kinds, and by means of these he carried on his
treasonable correspondence. He wrote his secret billets upon thin paper, and bound
them in the cover of a book, which he always managed to sell to those spies of Wash¬
ington, who were constantly visiting New York, and who, he knew, would carry the
volumes directly to the headquarters of the army. The men employed in this spe¬
cial service were ignorant of the peculiar nature of it.

t Rivington was a high liver when his pecuniary means would allow him the in¬
dulgence. He was a fine-looking, portly man, and dressed in the extreme of fashion
— curled and powdered hair, claret-colored coat, scarlet waistcoat trimmed with gold
lace, buckskin breeches, and top-boots. He always kept a stock of choice wines on
hand, with which to regale his friends. A good anecdote connected with his wine
was related by Rivington himself. He had soundly abused Colonel Ethan Allen,
while he was a prisoner, and the leader of the Green-Mountain Boys swore he would
“ lick Rivington the first opportunity he had.” When Allen was released from the
provost jail, he went directly toward Rivington’s office to execute his oath. Riving¬
ton’s clerk saw him coming, and went up stairs to warn his master, the loyal editor
having already been informed of the irate colonel’s intentions. “ I was sitting,” said
Rivington, “ after a good dinner, alone, with my bottle of Madeira before me, when
I heard an unusual noise in the street, and a huzza from the boys. I was in the

298

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The visiters now rose to depart. Rivington, on ta¬
king leave of the chief, whom he escorted to the door,
said : “ Your excellency may rely upon my especial at¬
tention being given to the agricultural works , which, on
their arrival, will be immediately forwarded to Mount
Vernon, where I trust they will contribute to your grati¬
fication amid the shades of domestic retirement.” Riv-
ington remained for several years in New York after the
peace of 1783. It was the general opinion at that time,
that if Rivington had been closely pressed on the. deli¬
cate subject of the secret service, characters of greater
calibre might have appeared on the tapis than the king’s
printer.*

second story, and, stepping to the window, saw a tall figure in tarnished regimentals
with a large cocked hat and an enormous long sword, followed by a crowd of boys,
who occasionally cheered him with huzzas, of which he seemed insensible. He came
up to my door and stopped. I could see no more. My heart told me it was Ethan
Allen. I shut down my window, and retired behind my table and bottle. I was
certain the hour of reckoning had come. There was no retreat. Mr. Staples, my
clerk, came in paler than ever, and clasping his hands, said, ‘ Master, he is come !’
* I know it.’ ‘ He entered the store, and asked “ if James Rivington lived there.”
I answered, “ Yes, sir.” “ Is he at home ?” “ I will go and see, sir,” I said ; ‘ and

now, master, what is to be done ? There he is in the store, and the boys peeping at
him from the street.’ I had made up my mind. I looked at the bottle of Madeira —
possibly took a glass. * Show him up,’ said I ; ‘ and if such Madeira can not mol¬
lify him, he must be harder than adamant.’ There was a fearful moment of sus¬
pense. I heard him on the stairs, his long sword clanking at every step. In he
stalked. ‘ Is your name James Rivington V ‘ It is, sir, and no man could be more
happy than I am to see Colonel Ethan Allen.’ ‘ Sir, I have come — ’ ‘ Not an¬

other word, my dear colonel, until you have taken a seat and a glass of old Madeira.’
‘ But sir, I don’t think it proper — ’ ‘ Not another word, colonel. Taste this wine ;

I have had it in glass for ten years. Old wine, you know, unless it is originally
sound, never improves by age.’ He took the glass, swallowed the wine, smacked
his lips, and shook his head approvingly. ‘ Sir, I come — ’ ‘ Not another word

until you have taken another glass, and then, my dear colonel, we will talk of old
affairs, and I have some droll events to detail.’ In short, we finished two bottles of
Madeira, and parted as good friends as if we never had cause to be otherwise.”

* When the loyalists of New York fled to Nova Scotia, on the evacuation of the
city by the British, Rivington, to the astonishment of all, remained. This fact

MYSTERIES OF THE REVOLUTION.

299

When the famous Rivington espionage became known
there were many speculations as to the amount paid for
the secret service. Some went so far as to calculate
how many guineas the capacious pockets of an officer’s
coat made in the old fashion would contain. The general
result was that, including the quaker’s loan and pay¬
ments made up to the final payment in full, made by the
chief in person, from a thousand to fifteen hundred
guineas would be a pretty fair estimate.

It was a cheap, a dog cheap bargain ; for, although
gold was precious in the days of the continental currency,
yet the gold paid for the secret service was of inestim¬
able value, when it is remembered how much it contri¬
buted to the safety and success of the army of indepen¬
dence.

puzzled those unacquainted with his career during the war. Others, not a tenth
part as obnoxious to the republicans as he, were driven away. In his secret treason
is the solution of the mystery. The facts above related are given by the author of
these Recollections, he says, “ on the authority of General Henry Lee, who had them
from one of the officers who accompanied Washington in his visit to Rivington. ’’
I received substantially the same facts, a few years ago, from the late Senator Hun¬
ter, of Hunter’s island, Westchester county, New York, who heard them from the
lips of a British admiral.

BOO

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XL

THE INDIAN PROPHECY*

"Washington’s Journey to the Kanawha River in 1T70— Forms a Camp on its BanK3 —
Abundance of Game there — Visited by a Trader and a Party of Indians — First In¬
terview with them — The Indian Sachem’s Mission — His great Reverence for Colonel
Washington — Speech of the Indian Sachem — His Remarkable Prophecy— Its Effect
upon the Company — Departure of the Savages — Doctor James Craik — His Faith in
the Prophecy — Scene at the Battle of Monmouth — Colonel Thomas Hartley.

It was in 1770, that Colonel Washington, accompanied
by Doctor James Craik, and a considerable party of
hunters, woodsmen, and others, proceeded to the Kan¬
awha with a view to explore the country, and make sur¬
veys of extensive and valuable bodies of lands.f At that

* This was first published in the Philadelphia United States Gazette, on the
twenty-seventh of May, 1826.

t The officers and soldiers who accompanied Washington in the expedition against
the French, on the Ohio, in 1754, were promised grants of land in the fertile regions
of the great Kanawha, where it empties into the Ohio. These lands were formally
granted that year, by an order in council of the British government, and a proclama¬
tion by Governor Dinwiddie, but on account of the continuance of a state of war,
they were not located, and actual possession given, until many years afterward. In
1770 a company in London solicited a grant of land within the proposed boundaries
of which nearly all of the promised bounty land lay. Washington at once took the
matter in hand, as the champion of the soldier about to be wronged. He first laid
before Governor Botetourt a history of the claim, and entered a strong protest against
the proposed grant to the English company, at the head of whom was the celebrated
Horace Walpole. He was successful in his defence of the soldier’s rights, and that
nothing essential to their interests should be left undone, he resolved to visit the
region under consideration, and select the best tracts of land for himself and his
companions-in-arms; and on the fifth of October, 1770, accompanied by his friend
and neighbor, Doctor Craik, with three negro attendants, he left Mount Vernon for
the Ohio. His Diary, kept during this journey to the wilderness and back, which

THE INDIAN PROPHECY.

301

time of day, the Kanawha was several hundred miles re¬
mote from the frontier settlements, and only accessible
by Indian paths, which wound through the passes of the
mountains.

In those wild and unfrequented regions, the party
formed a camp on the bank of the river, consisting of
rudely-constructed wigwams or shelters, from which they
issued to explore and survey those alluvial tracts, now
forming the most fertile and best inhabited parts of the
west of Virginia.*

This romantic camp, though far removed from the
homes of civilization, possessed very many advantages.
The great abundance of various kinds of game, in its
vicinity, afforded a sumptuous larder, while a few luxuries
of foreign growth, which had been brought on the bag¬
gage horses, made the adventurers as comfortable as they
could reasonably desire.f

One day when resting in camp from the fatigues at¬
tendant on so arduous an enterprise, a party of Indians
led by a trader, were discovered. No recourse was had
to arms, for peace in great measure reigned on the fron¬
tier; the border warfare which so long had harassed the
unhappy settlers, had principally subsided, and the savage
driven farther and farther back, as the settlements ad¬
vanced, had sufficiently felt the power of the whites, to
view them with fear, as well as hate. Again, the approach

occupied “nine weeks and one day,” is printed entire in the appendix to the second
volume of Spark’s Life and Writings of Washington.

* These lands lay in the present counties of Kanawha, Jackson, Mason, and
Gabel.

t Washington in his Diary, thus refers to one of his horses : “My portmanteau
horse being unable to proceed, I left him at my brother’s [Samuel, on Worthington’s
marsh, over the Blue Ridge], and got one of his and proceeded to Samuel Pritchard’s,
on Cacapehon.”

302

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

of this party was anything but hostile, and the appear¬
ance of the trader, a being half savage, half civilized,
made it certain that the mission was rather of peace
than war.

They halted at a short distance, and the interpreter
advancing, declared that he was conducting a party,
which consisted of a grand sachem, and some attendant
warriors ; that the chief was a very great man among
the northwestern tribes, and the same who commanded
the Indians on the fall of Braddock, sixteen years before,*
that hearing of the visit of Colonel Washington to the
western country, this chief had set out on a mission, the
object of which himself would make known. j*

The colonel received the embassador with courtesy,
and having put matters in camp in the best possible order
for the reception of such distinguished visiters, which so
short a notice would allow, the strangers were introduced.
Among the colonists were some fine, tall, and manly
figures, but so soon as the sachem approached, he in a
moment pointed out the hero of the Monongahela, from
among the group, although sixteen years had elapsed
since he had seen him, and then only in the tumult and
fury of battle. The Indian was of a lofty stature, and of
a dignified and imposing appearance.

* See note on page 158.

t On the way, Washington and Doctor Craik were joined by several frontier men,
among them Joseph Nicholson, an interpreter. Under date of October 20, he re¬
corded in his Diary : “ We embarked in a large canoe, with a sufficient store of pro¬
visions and necessaries, and the following persons, besides Dr. Craik and myself,
to wit. Captain Crawford, Joseph Nicholson, Robert Bell, William Harrison, Charles
Morgan, and Daniel Rendon, a boy of Captain Crawford’s, and the Indians, who
were in a canoe by themselves.” Captain Crawford afterward suffered a horrible
death at the hands of the Shawnees, in Ohio. At Fort Pitt they were joined by
Colonel Craghan, Lieutenant Hamilton, and Mr. Magee.”

THE INDIAN PROPHECY.

303

The usual salutations were going round, when it was
observed, that the grand chief, although perfectly fami¬
liar with every other person present, preserved toward
Colonel Washington the most reverential deference. It
was in vain that the colonel extended his hand, the Indian
drew back, with the most impressive marks of awe and re¬
spect. A last effort was made to induce an intercourse, by
resorting to the delight of the savages — ardent spirit —
which the colonel having tasted, offered to his guest ; the
Indian bowed his head in submission, but wetted not his
lips. Tobacco, for the use of which Washington always
had the utmost abhorrence, was next tried, the colonel
taking a single puff to the great annoyance of his feel¬
ings, and then offering the calumet to the chief, who
touched not the symbol of savage friendship. The banquet
being now ready, the colonel did the honors of the feast,
and placing the great man at his side, helped him plenti¬
fully, but the Indian fed not at the board. Amazement
now possessed the company, and an intense anxiety be¬
came apparent, as to the issue of so extraordinary an
adventure. The council fire was kindled, when the
grand sachem addressed our Washington to the follow¬
ing effect : — *

“ I am a chief, and the ruler over many tribes. My in¬
fluence extends to the waters of the great lakes, and to
to the far blue mountains. I have travelled a long and
weary path, that I might see the young warrior of the
great battle. It was on the day, when the white
man’s blood, mixed with the streams of our forest, that I
first beheld this chief : I called to my young men and
said, mark yon tall and daring warrior ? He is not of the

* He addressed Washington, through Nicholson, the interpreter.

304

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

red-coat tribe — he hath an Indian’s wisdom, and his war¬
riors fight as we do — himself is alone exposed. Quick,
let your aim be certain, and he dies. Our rifles were
levelled, rifles which, but for him, knew not how to
miss — ’twas all in vain, a power mightier far than we,
shielded him from harm. He can not die in battle. I
am old, and soon shall be gathered to the great council-
fire of my fathers, in the land of shades, but ere I go,
there is a something, bids me speak, in the voice of
prophecy. Listen ! The Great Spirit protects that man ,
and giddes his destinies — he will become the chief of nations ,
and a people yet unborn , will hail him as the founder of a
mighty empire !”*

The savage ceased, his oracle delivered, his prophetic
mission fulfilled, he retired to muse in silence, upon that
wonder-working Spirit, which his dark

“ Untutored mind

Saw oft in clouds, and heard Him in the wind.”

Night coming on, the children of the forest spread

* This narrative the author of the Recollections received from the lips of Dr. Craik.
Washington does not mention the circumstance in his Diary. It was a peculiar
trait of his character to avoid everything, either in speech or writing, that had a per¬
sonal relation to himself, in this manner. In his Diary he mentions a visit from an
embassy of the Six Nations, led by White Mingo, who made a speech. But that oc¬
curred on the nineteenth of the month ; while the incident that forms the subject of
this chapter, did not occur until they had reached the mouth of the Kanawha, after
the thirty-first.

The Reverend Samuel Davies, a Presbyterian minister at Hanover, in Virginia,
during the earlier portions of the French and Indian war (and in 1759, was president
of the college at Princeton), preached several patriotic discourses after the defeat of
Braddock, to arouse his countrymen to action. In one of these, entitled “Religion
and Patriotism the constituents of a good Soldier,” he remarked, in allusion to the
remarkable preservation of Washington on the bloody field of Monongahela, “I can
not but hope Providence has hitherto preserved him in so signal a manner, for some
important service to his country.” It is an interesting fact, that Washington never
received the slightest wound in battle.

THE INDIAN PROPHECY.

305

their blankets, and were soon buried in sleep. At early
dawn they bid adieu to the camp, and were seen slowly
winding their way toward the distant haunts of their
tribe.

The effects which this mysterious and romantic ad¬
venture had upon the provincials, were as various as the
variety of character which composed the party. All
eyes were turned on him, to whom the oracle had been
addressed, but from his ever-serene and thoughtful coun¬
tenance, nothing could be discovered : still all this was
strange, “ ’twas passive strange.” On the mind of Doctor
James Craik, a most deep and lasting impression was
made, and in the war of the Devolution it became a
favorite theme with him, particularly after any perilous
action, in which his friend and commander had been
peculiarly exposed, as the battles of Princeton, German¬
town, and Monmouth. On the latter occasion, as we
have elsewhere observed,* Doctor Craik expressed his
great faith in the Indian’s prophecy. “ Gentlemen,” he
said, to some of the officers, “ recollect what I have often
told you, of the old Indian’s prophecy. Yes, I do believe,
a Great Spirit protects that man — and that one day or
other, honored and beloved, he will be the chief of our
nation, as he is now our general, our father, and our
friend. Never mind the enemy, they can not kill him,
and while he lives, our cause will never die.”

During the engagement on the following day, while
Washington was speaking to a favorite officer, I think
the brave and valued Colonel Hartley, of the Pennsyl¬
vania line, a cannon ball struck just at his horse’s feet,
throwing the dirt in his face, and over his clothes, the

* See page 222.

306

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

general continued giving his orders, without noticing the
derangement of his toilette. The officers present, several
of whom were of the party the preceding evening, looked
at each other with anxiety. The chief of the medical
stafi^ pleased with the proof of his prediction, and in re¬
miniscence of what had passed the night before, pointed
toward heaven, which was noticed by the others, with a
gratifying smile of acknowledgment.*

Of the brave and valued Colonel Hartley, it is said,
that the commander-in-chief sent for him in the heat of
an engagement, and addressed him as follows : “ I have
sent for you, colonel, to employ you on a serious piece
of service. The state of our affairs, renders it necessary,
that a part of this army should he sacrificed , for the wel¬
fare of the whole. You command an efficient corps (a
fine regiment of Germans from York and Lancaster
counties). I know you well, and have, therefore, selected
you to perform this important and serious duty. You
will take such a position, and defend it to the last ex¬
tremity.” The colonel received this appointment to a for¬
lorn hope, with a smile of exultation, and bowing, replied :
“ Your excellency does me too much honor ; your orders
shall be obeyed to the letter,” and repaired to his post.

I will not be positive as to the location of this anec¬
dote, having heard it from the old people of the Revolu¬
tion many years ago, but think it occurred on the field
of Monmouth — but of this I am not certain. I have a
hundred times seen Colonel Hartley received in the halls
of the great president, where so many Revolutionary
worthies were made welcome, and to none was the hand
of honored and friendly recollection more feelingly offer-

* The substance of this is given in the account of the battle at Monmouth.

THE INDIAN PROPHECY.

307

ed ; on none did the merit-discerning eye of the chief
appear to beam with more pleasure, than on Hartley of
York.*

* Colonel Thomas Hartley was a native of Berks county, Pennsylvania, and was
bom on the seventh of September, 1748. He studied law in York, and practised his
profession there. He entered the army at the beginning of the Revolution, and was
in several engagements. After the descent of Butler and his Indians into the Wyo¬
ming valley, in the summer of 1778, he commanded a corps in that region. Colonel
Hartley was a member of Congress in 1788, and held the office twelve consecutive
years. He also held several offices in his native commonwealth. He died on the
twenty-first of December, 1800, at the age of fifty-two years.

308

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XII

DANIEL MORGAN.

Morgan’s Narratives — His Tests of a Good Soldier — Last Survivor of his Corps —
Washington and Morgan alone — Morgan sent to Reconnoitre — Special Instruc¬
tions — Captain Gabriel Long — Morgan and his Party Reconnoitre — They Dis¬
cover a Party of Officers — These Gather in a Groups on a Knoll — Contrary to
Instructions, Morgan and his Men Fire upon them — Death of some of tiie Officers

— Morgan in Low Spirits — His Expectation of Disgrace for Disobedience of Orders

— Interview with Colonel Hamilton — Morgan in the Presence of Washington —
His Grief — Second Interview with Hamilton — Invitation to Dine at Headquarters'

— Generously Forgiven by Washington — Congratulations of his Fellow-Officers.

It was our good fortune, in conversations with the late
General Daniel Morgan, to elicit from that distinguished
veteran most interesting narratives of many of the prom¬
inent events in the Revolutionary war.*

* General Daniel Morgan was a native of New Jersey, where he was bora in 1737.
He emigrated to Virginia at the age of eighteen years. That was the year (1755 ), when
Braddock went on his expedition against the French and Indians at Fort da Quesne.
Morgan accompanied the army as a waggoner. During the march he replied
sharply to the insults of a British officer, who then tried to run him through with his
sword. Morgan well-defended himself, and succeeded in giving the officer a severe
whipping. For this he was condemned to receive five hundred lashes on the bare
back. Four hundred and fifty were given, when he fainted. The remainder were
remitted. The officer becoming convinced that he had been in the wrong, apologized ;
but the memory of this indignity, no doubt, gave vigor to the arm of Daniel Morgan
in the war against the British officers and soldiers twenty years later.

Morgan raised a company of riflemen and joined the continental army, at Cam¬
bridge, in 1775. During that autumn he accompanied Arnold in his famous expe¬
dition across the wilderness of the Kennebec and Chaudiere to Quebec, where he
was taken a prisoner at the close of the year. He was active throughout a greater
portion of the war, after his exchange. He was in the army against the “ Whiskey
Insurgents/’ in 1794, and was afterward a member of Congress. His estate in Vir-

DANIEL MORGAN.

309

While listening to the tale of the hardships and priva¬
tions of our suffering soldiery, as to a tale of wonder, we
asked the general which of the men, of the various nations
composing the American armies (in his excellent judg¬
ment), possessed the best natural requisites for making
good soldiers ?

Morgan replied : “ As to the fighting part of the matter,
the men of all nations are pretty much alike • they fight
as much as they find necessary, and no more. But, sir,
for the grand essential in the composition of the good
soldier, give me the Dutchman — he starves well

It is not a little remarkable that the last survivor of
the celebrated rifle corps which Morgan led across the
wintry wilderness of the Kennebec in 1775, and which
corps suffered an extremity of famine and hardship al¬
most beyond belief,* is a highly respectable German, a
Mr. L auk, now resident, at a very advanced age, in Wash¬
ington, Virginia.!

ginia, where he lived many years, he called Saratoga. He died at Berry ville, in Vir¬
ginia, on the sixth of July, 1802, at the age of sixty-five years.

* Colonel Benedict Arnold left Cambridge with a thousand men, in September,
1775, and, landing at the mouth of the Kennebec, marched up that stream and
through the wilderness, to the St. Lawrence, by way of the Chaudiere river, that
flows northward from Lake Megantie, on the high water-shed in Maine. That
expedition, to which reference has been made several times before, was one of the
most wonderful on record. For forty days Arnold and his men traversed a gloomy
wilderness without meeting a human being. Erost and snow were upon the ground,
and ice was upon the surface of the marshes and the streams which they were com¬
pelled to traverse and ford sometimes armpit deep in water and mud. Yet they
murmured not, and even women followed in their train. Eamine beset them before
they reached the French settlements on the St. Lawrence slope, and they were reduced
to such extremities, that the dog of Captain Dearborn made a most acceptable meal
for himself and soldiers. After incredible hardships from fatigue, intense cold, and
biting hunger, they arrived at Point Levi, opposite Quebec, on the ninth of Novem¬
ber.

i This was published in the National Intelligencer , on the fourteenth of December,
1835.

310

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

General Morgan related to us the substance of the
following personal reminiscences ; and many times during
the recital his voice faltered with emotion, and his eyes
filled with tears : —

The outposts of the two armies were very near to each
other, when the American commander, desirous of obtain¬
ing particular information respecting the positions of his
adversary, summoned the famed leader of the riflemen,
Colonel Daniel Morgan, to headquarters.*

It was night, and the chief was alone. After his usual
polite, yet reserved and dignified salutation, Washington
remarked : “ I have sent for you, Colonel Morgan, to en¬
trust to your courage and sagacity, a small but very im¬
portant enterprise. I wish you to reconnoitre the ene¬
my’s lines, with a view to your ascertaining correctly
the positions of their newly-constructed redoubts ; also of
the encampments of the British troops that have lately
arrived, and those of their Hessian auxiliaries. Select,
sir, an officer, non-commissioned officer, and about twenty
picked men, and under cover of the night proceed with
all possible caution, get as near as you can, learn all
you can, and by day-dawn retire and make your report
to headquarters. But mark me, Colonel Morgan, mark
me well : On no account whatever are you to bring on
any skirmishing with the enemy. If discovered, make a
speedy retreat ; let nothing induce you to fire a single
shot. I repeat, sir, that no force of circumstances will
excuse the discharge of a single rifle on your part, and
for the extreme preciseness of these orders, permit me to

* Mr. Custis has not given the locality of the events of this narrative. It is prob¬
able that it was in New Jersey, and the time a night or two before the battle of Mon¬
mouth.

DANIEL MORGAN.

311

gay that I have my reasons.” Filling two glasses of wine,
the general continued, “ And now, Colonel Morgan, we
will drink a good night, and success to your enterprise.”
Morgan quaffed the wine, smacked his lips, and assuring
his excellency that his orders should be punctually
obeyed, left the tent of the commander-in-chief.

Charmed at being chosen the executive officer of a
daring enterprise, the Leader of the Woodsmen repaired
to his quarters, and calling for Gabriel Long, his favorite
captain, ordered him to detail a trusty sergeant, and
twenty prime fellows. When these were mustered, and
ordered to lay on their arms, to be ready at a moment’s
warning, Morgan and Long stretched their manly forms
before the watchfire, to await the going down of the
moon — the signal for departure.

A little after midnight, and while the rays of the set¬
ting moon still faintly glimmered in the Western hori¬
zon, “ Up sergeant,” cried Long, “ stir up your men !”
and twenty athletic figures were upon their feet in a
moment. Indian file, march, and away all sprung with
the quick, yet light and stealthy step of the woodsmen.
They reached the enemy’s lines, crawled up so close to
the pickets of the Hessians, as to inhale the odor of their
pipes, and discovered, by the newly turned up earth, the
position of the redoubts, and by the numerous tents that
dotted the field for “many a rood around,” and shone
dimly amid the night haze, the encampment of the Brit¬
ish and German reinforcements. In short they performed
their perilous duty without the slightest discovery ; and,
pleased with themselves, and the success of their enter¬
prise, prepared to retire, just as chanticleer from a neigh¬
boring farm-house was “ bidding salutation to the morn.”

312

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The adventurous party reached a small eminence at
some distance from the British camp, and commanding
an extensive prospect over the adjoining country. Here
Morgan halted, to give his men a little rest, before taking
up his line of march for the American outposts. Scarcely
had they thrown themselves on the grass, when they
perceived, issuing from the enemy’s advanced pickets, a
body of horse, commanded by an officer, and proceeding
along a road that led directly by the spot where the
riflemen had halted. No spot could be better chosen for
an ambuscade, for there were rocks and ravines, and also
scrubby oaks, that grew thickly on the eminence by
which the road we have just mentioned passed, at not
exceeding a hundred yards.

“ Down boys, down,” cried Morgan, as the horse ap¬
proached ; nor did the clansmen of the Black Bhoderic
disappear more promptly amid their native heather, than
did Morgan’s woodsmen in the present instance, each to
his tree, or rock. “ Lie close there, my lads, till we see
what these fellows are about.”

Meantime, the horsemen had gained the height, and
the officer dropping his rein on his charger’s neck, with
a spy-glass reconnoitred the American lines. The
troopers closed up their files, and were either cherishing
the noble animals they rode, adjusting their equipments,
or gazing upon the surrounding scenery now fast bright¬
ening in the beams of a rising sun.

Morgan looked at Long, and Long upon his superior,
while the riflemen, with panting chests and sparkling
eyes, were only awaiting some signal from their officers
66 to let the ruin fly.”

At length the martial ardor of Morgan overcame his

DANIEL MORGAN.

313

prudence and sense of military subordination. Forgetful
of consequences, reckless of everything but his enemy
now within his grasp, he waved his hand, and loud and
sharp rang the report of the rifles amid the surrounding
echoes.

At point-blank distance, the certain and deadly aim of
the Hunting Shirts of the Revolutionary army is too well
known to history to need remark at this time of day. In
the instance we have to record, the effects of the fire of
-the riflemen were tremendous. Of the horsemen, some
had fallen to rise no more, while their liberated chargers
rushed wildly over the adjoining plains ; others, wounded,
but entangled with their stirrups, were dragged by the
furious animals expiringly along, while the very few
who were unscathed spurred hard to regain the shelter
of the British lines.

While the smoke yet canopied the scene of slaughter,
and the picturesque forms of the woodsmen appeared
among the foliage, as they were reloading their pieces,
the colossal figure of Morgan stood apart. He seemed
the very genius of war, as gloomily he contemplated the
havoc his order had made. He spoke not, he moved
not, but looked as one absorbed in an intensity of
thought. The martial shout with which he was wont to
cheer his comrades in the hour of combat was hushed;
the shell* from which he had blown full many a note of

* Morgan’s riflemen were generally in the advance, skirmishing with the light
troops of the enemy, or annoying his flanks ; the regiment was thus much divided
into detachments, and dispersed over a very wide field of action. Morgan was in
the habit of using a conch-shell frequently during the heat of battle, with which he
would blow a loud and warlike blast. This he said was to inform his boys that he
was still alive, and from many parts of the field was beholding their prowess ; and,
like the last signal of a celebrated sea-warrior of another hemisphere, was expecting
that “ every man would do his duty.” — Note by the Author.

314

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

battle and of triumph on the fields of Saratoga, hung idly
by his side ; no order was given to spoil the slain. The
arms and equipments for which there was always a
bounty from Congress, the shirts for which there was
such need in that, the sorest period of our country’s pri¬
vation, all, all, were abandoned, as, with an abstracted
air and a voice struggling for utterance, Morgan sud¬
denly turning to his captain, exclaimed, “ Long, to the
camp, march.” The favorite captain obeyed, the rifle¬
men, with trailed arms, fell into file, and Long and his
party soon disappeared, but not before the hardy fellows
had exchanged opinions on the strange termination of
the late affair. And they agreed nem con , that their
colonel was tricked (conjured), or assuredly, after such a
fire as they had just given the enemy, such an emptying
of saddles, and such a scampering of the troopers, he
would not have ordered his poor rifle-boys from the field,
without so much as a few shirts or pairs of stockings
being divided amongst them. “Yes,” said a tall, lean
and swarthy-looking fellow, an Indian hunter from the
frontier, as he carefully placed his moccasined feet, in the
foot-prints of his file-leader, “ Yes, my lads, it stands to
reason our colonel is tricked.”

Morgan followed slowly on the trail of his men. The
full force of his military guilt had rushed upon his mind,
even before the reports of his rifles had ceased to echo in
the neighboring forests. He became more and more
convinced of the enormity of his offence, as, with dull
and measured strides, he pursued his solitary way, and
thus he soliloquized : —

“Well, Daniel Morgan, you have done for yourself
Broke, sir, broke to a certainty. You may go home, sir,

DANIEL MORGAN.

315

to the plough ; your sword will be of no further use to
you. Broke, sir, nothing can save you ; and there is the
end of Colonel Morgan. Fool, fool — by a single act of
madness thus to destroy the earnings of so many toils,
and many a hard-fought battle. You are broke, sir, and
there is an end of Colonel Morgan.”

To disturb this reverie, there suddenly appeared, at
full speed, the aid-de-camp, the Mercury of the field,*
who, reining up, accosted the colonel with, “ I am or¬
dered, Colonel Morgan, to ascertain whether the firing
just now heard, proceeded from your detachment.” — ■“ It
did, sir,” replied Morgan, doggedly. “ Then, colonel,”
continued the aid, “ I am further ordered to require your
immediate attendance upon his excellency, who is fast
approaching.” Morgan bowed, and the aid, wheeling his
charger, galloped back to rejoin his chief.

The gleams of the morning sun upon the sabres of the
horse-guard, announced the arrival of the dreaded com¬
mander — that being who inspired with a degree of awe
every one who approached him. With a stern, yet dig¬
nified composure, Washington addressed the military
culprit. “ Can it be possible, Colonel Morgan, that my
aid-de-camp has informed me aright? Can it be pos¬
sible, after the orders you received last evening, that the
firing we have heard proceeded from your detachment ?
Surely, sir, my orders were so explicit as not to be easily
misunderstood.” Morgan was brave, but it has been often
and justly, too, observed, that that man never was born
of woman, who could approach the great Washington,
and not feel a degree of awe and veneration from his
presence. Morgan quailed for a moment before the

* Colonel Alexander Hamilton.

316

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

stern, yet just displeasure of his chief, till, arousing all
his energies to the effort, he uncovered, and replied:
“Your excellency’s orders were perfectly well under¬
stood : and, agreeably to the same, I proceeded with a
select party to reconnoitre the enemy’s lines by night.
We succeeded even beyond our expectations, and I was
returning to headquarters to make my report, when,
having halted a few minutes to rest the men, we dis¬
covered a party of horse coming out from the enemy’s
lines. They came up immediately to the spot where we
lay concealed by the brushwood. There they halted,
and gathered up together like a flock of partridges,
affording me so tempting an opportunity of annoying
my enemy, that — that — may it please your excellency
— flesh and blood could not refrain.”

At this rough, yet frank, bold, and manly explanation,
a smile was observed to pass over the countenances of
several of the general’s suite. The chief remained un¬
moved ; when, waving his hand, he continued : “ Colonel
Morgan, you will retire to your quarters, there to await
further orders.” Morgan bowed, and the military cortege
rode on to the inspection of the outposts.

Arrived at his quarters, Morgan threw himself upon
his hard couch, and gave himself up to reflections upon
the events which had so lately and so rapidly succeeded
each other. He was aware that he had sinned past all
hope of forgiveness. Within twenty-four hours, he had
fallen from the command of a regiment, and being an
especial favorite with his general, to be, what — a dis¬
graced and broken soldier. Condemned to retire from
scenes of glory, the darling passion of his heart — for ever
to abandon the “ fair fields of fighting, and in obscurity

DANIEL MORGAN.

317

to drag out the remnant of a wretched existence, neg¬
lected and forgotten. And then his reputation, so nobly
won, with all his “ blushing honors” acquired in the
march across the frozen wilderness of the Kennebec, the
storming of the Lower Town, and the gallant and glo¬
rious combats of Saratoga, to be lost in a moment !

The hours dragged gloomily away. Night came, but
with it no rest for the troubled spirit of poor Morgan.
The drums and fifes merrily sounded the soldiers’ dawn,
and the sun arose, giving “ promise of a goodly day.”
And to many within the circuit of that widely-extended
camp did its genial beams give hope, and joy, and glad¬
ness, while it cheered not with a single ray the despair¬
ing leader of the Woodsmen.

About ten o’clock, the orderly on duty reported the
arrival of an officer of the staff from headquarters, and
Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, the favorite aid of the
commander-in-chief, entered the marquee. “ Be seated,”
said Morgan ; “ I know your errand, so be short my dear
fellow, and put me out of my misery at once. I know
that I am arrested, ’tis a matter of course. Well, there
is my sword ; but surely his excellency honors me, in¬
deed, in these the last moments of my military existence,
when he sends for my sword by his favorite aid, and my
most esteemed friend. Ah, my dear Hamilton, if you
knew what I have suffered since the cursed horse came
out to tempt me to my ruin.”

Hamilton, about whose strikingly-intelligent coun¬
tenance there always lurked a playful smile, now ob¬
served, “ Colonel Morgan, his excellency has ordered me
to” — “I know it,” interrupted Morgan, “to bid me pre¬
pare for trial, but pshaw, why a trial ! Guilty, sir, guilty,

318

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

past all doubt. But then (recollecting himself), perhaps
my services might plead — nonsense ! against the dis¬
obedience of a positive order ? No, no, it is all over with
me, Hamilton, there is an end of your old friend, and of
Colonel Morgan.” The agonized spirit of our hero then
mounted to a pitch of enthusiasm as he exclaimed, “ But
my country will remember my services, and the British
and Hessians will remember me too, for though I may
be far away, my brave comrades will do their duty, and
Morgan’s riflemen be, as they always have been, a terror
to the enemy.”

The noble, the generous-souled Hamilton could no
longer bear to witness the struggles of the brave unfor¬
tunate, and he called out : “ Hear me, my dear colonel,
only promise to hear me for one moment, and I will tell
you all. “ Go on, sir,” replied Morgan, despairingly, “ go
on.” — “Then,” continued the aid-de-camp, “you must
know that the commanders of regiments dine with his
excellency to-day.” — •“ What of that,” again interrupted
Morgan, “ what has that to do with me, a prisoner and —

“ No, no,” exclaimed Hamilton, no prisoner, a once-offend¬
ing, but now a forgiven soldier. My orders are to invite
you to dine with his excellency to-day at three o’clock
precisely ; yes, my brave and good friend, Colonel Mor¬
gan, you still are, and likely long to be, the valued and
famed commander of the rifle regiment.”

Morgan sprang from the camp-bed on which he was
sitting, and seizing the hand of the little great man in
his giant grasp, wrung and wrung, till the aid-de-camp
literally struggled to get free, then exclaimed, “ Am I in
my senses ? But I know you, Hamilton, you are too
noble a fellow to sport with the feelings of an old brother-

DANIEL MORGAN.

319

soldier.” Hamilton assured his friend that all was true,
and gayly kissing his hand as he mounted his horse, bid
the now delighted colonel to remember three o’clock,
and be careful not to disobey a second time, galloped to
the headquarters.

Morgan entered the pavilion of the commander-in¬
chief, as it was fast filling with officers, all of whom, after
paying their respects to the general, filed off to give a
cordial squeeze of the hand to the commander of the
rifle regiment, and to whisper in his ear words of con¬
gratulation. The cloth removed, Washington bid his
guests fill their glasses, and gave his only, his unvarying
toast, the toast of the days of trial, the toast of the even¬
ing; of his “ time-honored” life amid the shades of Mount
Yernon — “All our Friends .” Then, with his usual old-
fashioned politeness, he drank to each guest by name.
When he came to “ Colonel Morgan, your good health,
sir,” a thrill ran through the manly frame of the gratified
and again favorite soldier, while every eye in the pavil¬
ion was turned upon him. At an early hour the com¬
pany broke up, and Morgan had a perfect escort of
officers accompanying him to his quarters, all anxious to
congratulate him upon his happy restoration to rank and
favor, all pleased to assure him of their esteem for his
person and services.

And often in his after life did Morgan reason upon the
events which we have transmitted to the Americans and
their posterity, and he would say : “ What could the un¬
usual clemency of the commander-in-chief toward so in¬
subordinate a soldier as I was, mean? Was it that my
attacking my enemy wherever I could find him, and the
attack being crowned with success, should plead in bar

320

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

of the disobedience of a positive order ? Certainly not.
Was it that Washington well knew I loved, nay adored,
him above all human beings ? That knowledge would
not have weighed a feather in the scale of his military
justice. In short, the whole affair is explained in five
words ; it was my first offence ”

The clemency of Washington toward the first offence pre¬
served to the army of the Kevolution one of its most
valued and effective soldiers, and had its reward in little
more than two years from the date of our narrative, when
Brigadier-General Morgan established his own fame, and
shed an undying lustre on the arms of his country, by the
glorious and ever-memorable victory of the Cowpens.*

* The southern states became the most important theatre of military operations
in the year 1781. General Greene had been appointed commander-in-chief of the
southern department, in October, 1780, and with his usual skill and energy, arranged
his army for a winter campaign, in two divisions. With the main army, Greene took
post at Cheraw, eastward of the Pedee, and Morgan (then promoted to brigadier-
general) was sent with the remainder (about a thousand in number) to occupy the
country near the junction of the Pacolet and Broad rivers. At that time, Cornwallis
was preparing to invade North Carolina. He found himself in a dangerous situa¬
tion, for he was placed between the two divisions of the republican army. Unwill¬
ing to leave Morgan in his rear, he sent Tarleton to capture or disperse his troops.
His force was superior, and the Americans retreated northward for some distance.
At length having reached a position among the Thicketty mountains, in Spartanburg
district, Morgan found himself compelled to fight. Posting his men upon an emi¬
nence, he turned and faced his pursuers. This movement disconcerted Tarleton,
for he expected to fall upon Morgan in the confusion of a flight. He was confident
of an easy victory, however, and prepared for battle. On the morning of the seven¬
teenth of January, 1781, a furious contest began. For more than two hours they
fought desperately, when the British broke and fled. They lost almost three hun¬
dred men in killed and wounded, five hundred made prisoners, and a large quantity
of arms, ammunition, and stores. It was one of the most brilliant victories achieved
during the war. Congress awarded a gold medal to General Morgan, and Colonels
Howard and Washington, who nobly seconded the general, each received a silver
medal. Morgan pushed on across the Catawba with his prisoners, and at the Yad¬
kin was joined by General Greene. Then commenced that remarkable retreat of
Greene before Cornwallis, from the Yadkin, beyond the Dan, into Virginia, which
has arrested the attention of military men.

DANIEL MORGAN.

321

Nearly twenty years more had rolled away, and our
hero, like most of his compatriots, had beaten his sword
into a ploughshare, and was enjoying, in the midst of a
domestic circle, the evening of a varied and eventful life.
When advanced in years, and infirm, Major-General Mor¬
gan was called to the supreme legislature of his country,
as a representative of the state of Virginia* It was at
this period that the author of these Memoirs had the
honor and happiness of an interview with the old gen¬
eral, which lasted for several days. And the veteran was
most kind and communicative to one, who hailing from
the immediate family of his venerated chief, found a
ready and a warm welcome to the heart of Morgan. And
many, and most touching reminiscences of the days of
trial were related by the once famed leader of the woods¬
men, to the then youthful and delighted listener, which
were eagerly devoured, and carefully treasured in a mem¬
ory of no ordinary power.

And it was there the unlettered Morgan, a man bred
amid the scenes of danger and hardihood that distin¬
guished the frontier warfare, with little book knowledge,
but gifted by nature with a strong and discriminating
mind, paid to the fame and memory of the Father of our
Country a more just, more magnificent tribute than, in
our humble judgment, has emanated from the thousand
and one efforts of the best and brightest geniuses of the
age. General Morgan spoke of the necessity of Washing¬
ton to the army of the Ee volution, and the success of the

* General Morgan was elected to Congress in 1797, and served two years. In
July, 1799, he published an address to his constituents, in which he vindicated the
administration of President Adams. Like Washington, Morgan was a federalist.
The author of these Recollections was then about eighteen years of age.

322 RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

struggle for Independence. He said we had officers of
great military talents, as for instance Greene and others;
we had officers of the most consummate courage and
spirit of enterprize, as for instance Wayne and others.
One was yet necessary , to guide, direct, and animate the
whole, and it pleased Almighty God to send that one in
the person of George Washington !

ROBERT MORRIS.

323

CHAPTER XIII.

ROBERT MORRIS.*

Whom did Washington most Love — Washington and Greene — Washington’s Caution
in Guarding against Jealousies — Intimate Acquaintances of Washington— Robert
Morris — His Financial Aid to the Patriots — A chosen Guest at Washington’s
Table — Morris’s Speculations — Washington’s Advice unheeded — Washington Visits
Morris in Prison — Proverbial Ingratitude of Republics.

It has often been asked, “ Who were the favorites of
Washington? whom did he love?” I answer, the most
worthy. Washington lived for his country, and for her
so much did he u live and move,” and almost 66 have his
being,” that when he loved a man, that man must love
his country.

In the War for Independence, Greene was his Hephses-
tion,f yet such was his delicacy in bestowing praise,

* First published in. the Philadelphia National Gazette, on the twenty-ninth of
June, 1826.

t Nathaniel Greene was born of Quaker parents, at Warwick, in Rhode Island, in
1740. He was trained to the occupation of an anchor-smith, the business of his
father. He was quick and studious, and while yet a boy, had learned some Latin
and collected a small library. He loved to read books on military subjects. At the
age of twenty-one he was elected a member of the Rhode Island legislature ; and,
full of zeal for republican principles, he hesitated not a moment to take up arms
for his country, contrary to the practices and traditions of his sect. He took the
command of three regiments of the Army of Observation, which Rhode Island sent to
Roxbury after the affair at Lexington. The Quakers disowned him, and the Con¬
gress made him a brigadier-general. All through the long struggle of seven years,
he was the most useful of all the officers ; and in genuine military genius, was in
some respects superior to Washington. He retired to Rhode Island at the 'conclu¬
sion of the war, and soon afterward 'went to Georgia to look after an estate near
Savannah, which that state had given him. There, in June, 1786, he was prostrated

324

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

even where most deserved, that he declined the mention¬
ing of Greene’s division, which had so gallantly covered
the retreat from Brandywine, saying to that illustrious
commander, who prayed that his comrades might receive
their well-earned commendation: “ You, sir, are con¬
sidered in this army as my favorite officer ; your divi¬
sion is composed of southrons, my more immediate
countrymen. Such are my reasons.”*

It has been thought that certain vivacious personages,
as Gouverneur Morris, and General Henry Lee, were in
the habit of taking liberties with the chief. Around the
Father of his Country, his virtues and character created
an atmosphere of awe and veneration, in which undue
familiarity could not have existed for a moment. No
men living were more ardently attached to the chief
than the Revolutionary statesman and distinguished of¬
ficer alluded to. They possessed brilliant talents, had
rendered conspicuous services, and were the most plea-

bj a “sun-stroke,” and died on the nineteenth of that month, at the age of forty-
six years.

Greene was truly to Washington what Hephasstion was to Alexander. He loved
him tenderly, and from the earliest moment of their acquaintance, their attach¬
ment was warm and sincere. Alexander used to say, in speaking of the intimacy
between his friend and himself, that “ Craterus was the friend of the king, but
Hephaestion was the friend of Alexander.” Such was the relationship between
Washington and Greene.

* One of the most delicate duties to which Washington was called, during the
earlier years of the war particularly, was the silencing of jealousies among the officers.
They all soon learned so to confide in his justice, that he seldom failed in his efforts
to allay unpleasant feelings. But while he desired to avoid every appearance of
favoritism, he never failed to employ, in a manner, and in a position that he deemed
best for the public service, those whom his judgment approved. In Greene he dis¬
covered rare talent for every kind of military service requiring great executive ability,
and he. never hesitated to give him his proper position; but, as in the instance
mentioned in the text, he avoided the public expression of his opinion of his superior
merits, so as not to offend others unnecessarily.

ROBERT MORRIS.

325

surable companions of their time. These considerations,
together with the absence of restraint at the private par¬
ties of the president, gave rise to the idea that there
were certain characters who could approach without
reserve, and even toy with the passive lion. But the
lion, though passive, was the lion still. He could always
be approached, and sometimes in sportive mood, but not
so near as to lay hand upon his mane.*

If I am asked — And did not Washington unbend and
admit to familiarity, and social friendship, some one per¬
son, to whom age and long and interesting associations
gave peculiar privilege, the privilege of the heart ?” — I
answer, that favored individual was Robert Morris.

The general-in-chief of the armies of Independence, in
the relief afforded to the privations of his suffering sol¬
diery, first learned the value of Robert Morris. It was
he who brought order out of chaos, and whose talent
and credit sustained the cause of his country in her worst
of times.f Virtues and services like these endeared

* See note on page 175.

t Mr. Morris was one of the Pennsylvania delegates in the second continental
Congress ; and a few weeks after he had taken his seat, in 1775, he was placed
upon the secret committee whose duty it was to contract for the importation of
munitions of war. He was also on a committee for fitting out a naval armament,
and specially to negotiate bills of exchange for Congress to borrow money for the
marine committee, and to manage the fiscal concerns of Congress upon other occa¬
sions. From that time he was the accredited and efficient financier of the Revolution¬
ary government. His private commercial credit was such, that all men had con¬
fidence in him as the public agent. Instances of his affording pecuniary assistance
to the army have already been given in these pages. On one occasion he became
personally responsible for a quantity of lead for the use of the army ; at another,
when the Congress was utterly without cash or credit, he supplied the army with
four or five thousand barrels of flour ; when the French troops came, he borrowed
twenty thousand dollars in specie on his own credit from Rochambeau. After the
continental money became valueless, Robert Morris’s notes formed a part of the
reliable circulating medium. When, in 1781, a bank for government purposes was

326

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

their possessor to the paternal chief, in whose heart the
financier of the Revolution held an esteem which neither
time nor misfortune could alter or impair.

Mr. Morris was ever a welcome guest at the private and
select parties of the president. So much was this a matter
of course, that the steward, having first placed Mr. M/s
favorite wine at the plate immediately, on the right of
the chief, would repair to the dwelling of Morris, and
observe, “The president dines with a select party of
friends to-day, and expects your company as usual.”*

When Mr. Morris first engaged in those speculations
which terminated so unhappily, Washington, with the
privilege of sincere friendship, remonstrated, observing,
“ You are old, and had better retire, rather than engage
in such extensive concerns.” Morris replied, “ Your ad¬
vice is proof of that wisdom and prudence which govern
all your words and actions : but, my dear general, I can
never do things in the small ; I must be either a man or
a mouse ”f

established in Philadelphia, he subscribed ten thousand pounds, and induced others
to swell the amount to three hundred thousand pounds. Other instances of the
manner in which, financially, he supported the cause, might be given, but these will
suffice. Botta, in his History of the Revolution, says, “ certainly the Americans
owed, and still owe, as much acknowledgment to the financial operations of Robert
Morris, as to the negotiations of Benjamin Franklin, or even the arms of George
Washington.”

* This was when the seat of government was in Philadelphia. Mr. Morris held
the very first social position in that city. For nearly half a century, an intro¬
duction to Robert Morris was a matter in course, with all strangers who visited
Philadelphia on commercial, public, or private business, and he was considered by
all as a representative of the city.

t Washington was at that time quite largely, but not injudiciously, engaged in
land speculations with Governor George Clinton and others, although his name did
not publicly appear as such. At the time alluded to in the text, a gigantic land
speculation, known as the scheme of the “North American Land Company,”
had been commenced, and Mr. Morris was one of the principal partners. He soli

ROBERT MORRIS.

327

In 1798, when the lieutenanhgeneral and commander-
in-chief repaired to Philadelphia to superintend the
organization of his last army,* unmindful of the dignity,
wealth, and splendor which crowded to greet his arrival,
he paid his first visit to the prison-house of Robert
Morris.f The old man wrung the hand of the chief in

cited Washington to join in the speculation. He declined, and gave Morris the
advice above mentioned. The chief parties in the company (which was organized
in 1785), were Robert Morris, James Greenleaf, and John Nicholson. The land,
for which they paid large sums of money, lay in the states of Pennsylvania, Vir¬
ginia, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Kentucky, in all six millions of acres.
Their intention was to sell the lands at a handsome profit, to small speculators and
actual settlers, at the average price of fifty cents an acre. Several years afterward,
Mr. Morris became concerned with others in the purchase of over a million of acres
in western New York, at sixteen cents an acre. This speculation, with the whole
former scheme, was a failure. Morris and Nicholson were utterly ruined. The
latter, who was at one time comptroller-general of the state of Pennsylvania, died,
it is said, leaving unpaid debts to an immense amount. Mr. Morris was finally
consigned to the debtor’s apartment of the Walnut-street prison, to which was
attached a small garden, in which he was permitted to exercise. There he remained
a long time, and suffered much. He died in 1806; leaving a widow, a sister of
Bishop White.

* John Adams was inaugurated President of the United States in March, 1797. He
sought diligently to reconcile disputes that had arisen between the governments of
the United States and France, but without success ; and when Congress assembled
in December that year, war measures were adopted. In May, 1798, quite a large
standing army was authorized. Washington had expressed his approval of the
measure, and in July he was appointed the commander-in-chief. He consented to
accept the office, only on the condition that General Hamilton should be the acting
commander-in-chief, for the retired president was unwilling to take the field, unless
the most urgent necessity should demand it.

t The debtors’ apartment of the Walnut-street prison was on Prune street.
Though suffering in bodily health, Mr. Morris’s mind was cheerful under the weight
of his misfortunes. On one occasion he wrote the following playful note to his old
partner in speculations : —

“ Messrs. Henry Banks, David Allison and Robert Morris present their compli¬
ments to John Nicholson, Esq., and request the favor of his company to dine with
them at the hotel with grated doors, in Prune street, at one o’clock, on Sunday next,
pledging themselves most solemnly that to him the doors will be open for admission
and departure on that day.

“Friday Morning, llt/i May , 1798.

“ Dear sir : I have written the above not only with the consent, but at the request

328

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

silence, while his tearful eye gave the welcome to such
an home. The mouse was, indeed, in his iron-bound
cage ; hut, in the United States of America, for Robert
Morris to have been imprisoned, in character , the bars
should have been of gold . How is this, Americans ? Is it
not the condemnation of Manlius on the Capitoline hill,
a crime which the heathen Roman dared not commit ?
The financier of the Revolution, whose talent, whose
credit sustained the cause of his country in that country’s
utmost need ! Whatever may have been his misfortunes,
say his faults, did not his generous services “ plead like
angels, trumpet-tongued, against the deep damnation,”

of the parties, and it is done after consulting Mr. Hoffner, who solemnly assures us
that nothing can operate as a detainer but a bail-piece, and I think you have no such
thing to fear ; or if there is any special bail for you, it is John Baker, on whom you
can safely rely. Come, therefore, my friend, as early in the forenoon as you can,
that we may have some conversation before as well as after dinner. We will show
you how we live here, that you may be prepared to bear your fate, should it be de¬
cided that you are to become a boarder at this hotel.

“ I am your friend and servant,

“ Robert Morris.

“ May 11, 1798.

“ Jno. Nicholson, Esq.”

Mr. Nicholson afterward became a regular inmate of the same “ hotel,” where he
edited a newspaper.”

William B. Wood, the celebrated actor, was a compulsory guest at the same
“ hotel with grated doors,” for a short time, and has left on record the following
account of his interview with Robert Morris there : —

“ Mr. Morris appeared cheerful, returned my salutation in the politest manner,
but in silence, continuing his walk, and dropping from his hand at a given spot, a
pebble on each round, until a certain number which he had in his hand was ex¬
hausted. For some mornings the same silence prevailed, until at length, observing
my languid deportment, he suddenly stopped, inquired whether I was ill, and added
with something like severity, ‘ Sir, this is but an ill place for one so sickly, and
apparently so young’ He seemed to wait for some kind of explanation, which I
found myself either unable or unwilling to give — and then passed on. From this
time he spoke to me almost daily, and always with great kindness. On one occa¬
sion he unbent much more than usual, and offered some remarks which embraced
much good counsel. In more than one instance ho favored me with friendly notice.”

ROBERT MORRIS.

329

of such an home for his age ? And, when broken-hearted,
pennyless, friendless, and forgotten, his gray hairs de¬
scended in sorrow to the grave, how was the last duty
paid to him, to whom we owed so much ? How many
of those who had basked in the sunshine of his prosperity,
fed at his ever hospitable board, and drank of his ever
flowing cup, followed his hearse ? Where the corporate
bodies — where the long trains of youth who were led up
to pay their last homage to the republic's benefactor ?*

* Unfortunately our history affords a parallel. Colonel William Barton, of
Rhode Island, received a grant of land in Vermont for his Revolutionary services.
By the transfer of some of this land he became entangled in the toils of the law, and
was imprisoned for debt in Vermont for many years, until the visit of Lafayette to
this country in 1825. That illustrious man, hearing of the incarceration of Colonel
Barton and its cause, liquidated the claim against him, and restored his fellow-
soldier to liberty. It was a noble act, and significantly rebuked the Shylock who
held the patriot in bondage, and clamored for “ the pound of flesh.” This circum¬
stance drew from Whittier his glorious poem, The Prisoner for Debt, in which he
exclaims —

“ What has the gray-haired prisoner done 1
Has murder stained his hands with gore t
Not so ; his crime ’s a fouler one :

God made the old man poor !

For this he shares a felon’s cell,

The fittest earthly type of hell !

For this, the boon for which he poured,

His young blood on the invader’s sword,

And counted light the fearful cost —

His blood-gained liberty is lost.

* * * *

Down with the law that binds him thus !

Unworthy freemen, let it find
No refuge from the withering curse
Of God and human kind !

Open the prisoner’s living tomb,

And usher from its brooding gloom
The victims of your savage code
To the free sun and air of God !

No longer dare, as crime, to brand
The chastening of the Almighty’s hand !”

330

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XIV.

THOMAS NELSON.

Nelson’s Ancestoes — His Eaely Employments — A Man op Foktune — Kindling of the
Revolution in Virginia — Nelson a Member of Congress in 1776 — Influence of lead¬
ing Minds — Mifflin sent to Recruit for the Army — Nelson organizes a Corps op
Cavalry — Elected Governor of Virginia — Arnold and Cornwallis — American
Military Leaders in Virginia — Depreciation' of Continental Money — The People
avoid it— Nelson's Noble Example— Anecdote of nis Patriotism told by Lafayette
— He Borrows Money for Public Services on his own Responsibility — Public Neg¬
lect — The Familiar Friends of Washington — Nelson’s Family Unrewarded.

Among the patriots, statesmen, and soldiers that Vir¬
ginia contributed to the Congress and armies of the Re¬
volution, Thomas Nelson will ever claim an elevated
rank. Descended from ancient and highly respectable
English ancestry, General Nelson was educated in Eng¬
land, and was engaged, prior to the Revolution, in mer¬
cantile concerns, upon an extensive scale, at Yorktown,
in Virginia, strange to say, at that period the importing
city for Philadelphia.*

Upon the breaking out of the troubles, Nelson joined
the cause of the colonies. He was a man of large for-

* Yorktown is now an inconsiderable village, containing about three hundred in¬
habitants. It is still a port of entry, but commerce has deserted it, and the village is
going into decay. A courthouse was built there in the year 1698 ; and an old church
which was destroyed in 1814, had in it a bell inscribed, “ County of York, Virginia,
1725.” The church was built at the close of the previous century, out of the stone
marl which composes the bluff on which the town stands. The water-scenery at
Yorktown is very fine. The York river is there a full mile wide, and from the ruins
or site of the old church, no land is visible in the direction of Chesapeake bay, into
which the river flows.

THOMAS NELSON.

331

tune, having many and valuable estates in different coun¬
ties, particularly the county of Hanover. Greatly be¬
loved in his native colony, he held a high and command¬
ing influence among the people. He threw all into the
scale of his country, in her struggle for the natural rights
of mankind.

After the battle of Lexington, Virginia put forth all
her strength in the senate and the field. The very elite
of her statesmen had been sent to the Congress of 1774,*

* Failing in their efforts to obtain a redress of their grievances, by remonstrances
and petitions, the colonists, in 1774, resolved to call a general congress of represen¬
tatives. These were chosen in the several colonies during the spring and summer,
and on the fifth of September they assembled, by appointment, in a building known
as Carpenter’s Hall, in Philadelphia. . Some of the wisest and best men in America
were there. Their sessions continued until the twenty-sixth of October ; and during
that time they discussed the great questions of the day in such manner that the repre¬
sentatives of each colony became well informed respecting the temper of the people
in general, and were prepared to enter, into that union of effort for independence
which was soon afterward formed. Twelve of the thirteen colonies were represented.
Georgia was the exception. The delegates from Virginia were — Peyton Randolph,
George Washington, Richard Henry Lee, Patrick Henry, and Richard Bland.

The author of these Recollections relates the following anecdote, in connection with
this Congress, upon the authority of Ludwell Lee, son of Richard Henry Lee :
“When the first continental congress assembled at Philadelphia, September, 1774,
there had been no provision made for the maintenance of the members, while in the
discharge of their public duties. A council being held to determine as to the ways
and means of effecting this most just and necessary arrangement, Richard Henry
Lee (the same who afterward, in ’76, moved the Declaration of Independence), rose, and
observed, that as he was assured that every member present was desirous of putting
the country to the least possible expense, in the maintenance of the Congress, he
would move, that during the session, the honorable members be fed on wild pigeons ,
that article appearing to be in very great abundance, and certainly the very cheapest
food in the market.

“ Now let the modern reader remember, that this Richard Henry Lee was bred in
the lap of luxury, educated in Europe, and possessed the most polished and courtly
manners, while his seat of Chantilly, which he had just left to obey the high and
imposing call of his country, was at once the seat of the most refined and enlarged
hospitality.

“ This illustrious patriot and statesmen, often congratulated himself in his later life,
upon his famed motion touching the maintenance of the members of the first Con-

332

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

while the pride of her chivalry took arms in the succeed¬
ing year. Among the illustrious names that composed
the Virginia delegation to the Roman-like senate of 1776,
we find the name of Thomas Nelson, junior, who affixed
his signature to the Declaration of Independence on the
ever-memorable fourth of July.

• The state of society in the South in the olden time was
very different from that of modern days, under the
republic. Under the ancien regime there were but two
orders in society — the rich and educated, and the poor.
Hence, the higher classes, as they were then called, held a
most material influence over those who were not so for¬
tunately situated. Men of extensive personal influence
over the minds of the people at large, were all-important
to the cause of American liberty in the commencement
and during the whole progress of the Revolution, with
the view of diffusing and fostering the whig spirit, in
opposition to the powerful and ably-directed efforts of
the tories.*

It is well known to history, that the commander-in¬
chief spared, at a very critical period of the war, an active
and valued officer (Mifflin), that he might exert his per¬
sonal influence among the people of his native state, to
recruit the wasted ranks of the army.j*

gress, declaring it to have been in purity of patriotism, not secondary to even his
immortal resolve in ’76, ‘ That these united colonies are, and of right ought to be
free and independent states/ — Such was a patriot of our olden time/,

* The terms whig and tory had then long been used in England, as titles of political
parties, and continue to be so used to the present day. The former denoted the
opposers of royalty; the latter indicated its supporters. These terms were intro¬
duced into America two or three years before the Revolution broke out, and became
the distinctive titles of patriots and loyalists.

t It was late in the autumn of 1776, while Washington and his little army were
retreating toward the Delaware, across New Jersey. The army was rapidly melting

THOMAS NELSON.

333

On his return to Virginia from serving in the continen¬
tal Congress, General Nelson exerted himself in keeping
alive the spirit of the Revolution, which was often flagging
from the severe disasters that had attended our arms.
He was also actively employed in organizing a corps of
cavalry, in which young gentlemen of the first families
served as volunteers. This corps he commanded up to
the double invasion of 1781,* when, upon being elected
governor of the state, he took the command in chief of
its militia.

The invasion of Arnold was more immediately preda¬
tory, but that of Cornwallis swept like a tempest through
the devoted commonwealth, already much weakened by
her untiring exertions to sustain the army of Greene in
the Carolinas, and to defend the many points of her ter¬
ritory, assailable by the attacks of the enemy’s naval
power.f

by desertions and the expiration of terms of enlistment. It was a most gloomy
period of the contest, and few hoped for success in the field. However, Washing¬
ton determined to have personal appeals made to the people for the purpose of
recruiting his army, and he sent the eloquent and popular General Mifflin into Penn¬
sylvania, “ to exhort and rouse the militia to come forth in defence of their country.”
In Philadelphia he was very successful, and very soon he was at the head of fifteen
hundred new recruits, in full march upon Trenton, to join the army under Wash¬
ington.

* Early in January, 1781, Benedict Arnold, zealous in the cause of his royal
purchaser, went to Virginia with about sixteen hundred British and tory troops, and
a few armed vessels. He went up the James river, as far as Richmond, and de¬
stroyed much public and private property, and then returned to Portsmouth. In
April, he accompanied General Philips up the same river, on a desolating expedition.
They were joined at Petersburg by Cornwallis, who had invaded the state from North
Carolina, and who then took the general command. Lafayette was sent into Vir¬
ginia, and manoeuvred skilfully against this “double invasion.” He was soon fol¬
lowed by Wayne and Steuben.

t Toward the close of 1775, British vessels, under the general direction of Lord Dun-
more, the royal governor of Virginia, who had been compelled to flee from Williams¬
burg, were instrumental in great ravages along the Virginia coast, especially in the

834

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The forces under Steuben, Lafayette, and subsequently
Wayne, were too limited in point of numbers, and too
much straitened for supplies of every sort, to be able to
check the victorious career of the enemy * Indeed, the
resources of Virginia, great as they originally were, had
been sadly reduced in the previous campaign by the
capture of her veteran regiments on the surrender of
Charleston,-)* by the total discomfiture at Camden, J but,

vicinity of the capes. Norfolk was burned, and all along the Elizabeth river, to
Hampton roads, a vast amount of property, public and private, was destroyed. In
1779, Sir George Collier, with land troops, under General Mathews, again produced
great distress along the shores of the same waters ; and the armed vessels under
Arnold, in 1781, were no better than pirates.

* Cornwallis penetrated Virginia beyond Richmond, and destroyed an immense
amount of property. He sent out marauding parties in every direction, to harass
the inhabitants, and for several -weeks the whole state was kept in great alarm.
Tarleton and Simcoe, active officers, at the head of energetic and well-disciplined
corps, were busy in all quarters, and Lafayette found it quite impossible to stem *
the torrent of invasion. But when Wayne, with reinforcements, was approaching
from the north, Cornwallis turned his face seaward, and slowly retreated down the
peninsula toward Williamsburg.

t In the spring of 1780, Sir Henry Clinton, having arrived at Charleston with a
large force, borne by a fleet under Admiral Arbuthnot, invested that city. The
siege went on for several weeks ; the Americans within the city being under the
command of General Lincoln. Finally, Cornwallis came with a reinforcement of
three thousand men. On the ninth of May, a general cannonade from the ships and
the land batteries Commenced, and it was kept up for two days. On the night of
the eleventh it was perceived that further resistance would be madness. They
offered to surrender, and on the following day, the army, city, all passed into the
hands of the conquerors.

} General Gates was appointed to the command of the southern army, after the
surrender of Lincoln at Charleston. Cornwallis had been left in the chief command
of the British in South Carolina, and Sir Henry Clinton had returned to New York.
In order to make the subjugation of the South complete, the British army, in three
divisions, marched into the interior, leaving a garrison for Charleston. One divi¬
sion, under Colonel Brown, marched to Augusta, in Georgia; a second, under
Colonel Cruger, penetrated the country to Ninety-Six, in Western Carolina ; and a
third, under Lord Rawdon, took post at Camden. Toward the latter place Gates
approached, early in August. He resolved to fall upon Rawdon on the night of
the fifteenth of August, and marched from his camp confident of success, for that
purpose. At the same time, Cornwallis (who had hastened to Camden on hearing

THOMAS NELSON.

335

above all, by the enormous depreciation of the paper
money ; all which causes combined to elevate the hopes
of the enemy, and cast a shadow over those of the
friends, of American liberty. To such a wretched state
of depreciation had the paper money arrived at this
period, that, in numberless instances, persons were known
to have concealed their horses and oxen in the woods
and swamps rather than hire them to the transportation
department of the army, when the hire was to be ac¬
counted for in continental bills, which had become almost
valueless.*

of the approach of Gates) and Rawdon, informed of Gates’s movement, marched
northward to fall upon the Americans. The sand was deep, the footfalls were un¬
heard, and the belligerents met in the dark, at Sanders’ Creek. The next morning
a severe battle ensued, the Americans were completely routed, and another southern
army was lost.

* After the Congress had recognised the troops at Boston as a continental army,
in June, 1775, it became necessary to provide money for its support. Specie suf¬
ficient could not be had, and they resorted to the issue of bills of credit. These
emissions were made from time to time, as the wants of the public service demanded,
and for a while all went on well. But it was soon found that it would be difficult,
if not impossible, for the Congress to provide means for their redemption in specie,
as promised upon their face, and they began to depreciate. The last emission was
early in 1780, and at the close of that year they were almost worthless. At that
time the enormous sum of two hundred millions of dollars had been issued. The
following table shows the scale of depreciation : —

Value of $100 in Specie in Continental Money.

777.

1778.

1779.

1780.

1781.

January .

..$105....

....$325 .

.... $742....

....$2934....

....$7400

February. . . .

... 107....

. ... 350....

. ... 868 _

.... 3322....

. ... 7500

March .

.. 109 _

.... 370.....

. ... 3736....

. ... 0000

April .

.. 112 _

_ 400 .

... 1104....

_ 4000....

May .

... 115....

. ... 400 .

... 1215 _

. ... 4600....

June .

. . 120....

. ... 400 .

.... 6400....

July .

. . 125 _

. ... 425 .

... 1477....

. ... 8900....

August .

. . 150 _

.... 450 .

. .. 1630....

_ 7000....

_ _

September . . .

.. 175....

.... 475 .

, ... 1800 _

_ 7100 _

.... -

October .

, .. 275....

. ... 500 .

. .. 2030....

. ... 7200....

.... -

November . . .

, .. 300....

. ... 545 .

, ... 2308....

.... 7300....

_ _

December . . .

.. 310 _

. ... 634 .

... 2593....

. ... 7400....

_ _

336

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Here the patriotic Nelson set a noble example; his
crops were left to their fate, his ploughs left in the fur¬
rows, while the teams were harnessed to the cannon and
munitions of war moving to the investment of Yorktown.
From his personal virtues, he had the most commanding
influence in the state; he exerted it in rallying her sons,
when a powerful foe invaded her soil. His weight of
character enabled him to unlock the coffers of avarice,
and give their hoards to the aid of his country, when
that country had neither a dollar in her treasury, nor
credit to obtain one.

At the ever-memorable siege of Yorktown, ^ Governor
Nelson rendered important services in blockading the
enemy previous to the arrival of the combined army and
the fleets of France. It was on the venerable Lafayette's
last visit to Mount Yernon, in 1825, that he related to
the author of these Memoirs a touching anecdote of
Governor Nelson, which we shall give in the good Gen¬
eral’s own words: “I had just finished a battery,” said
the nation’s guest, “mounted with heavy pieces; but
before I opened on the town, I requested the attendance
of the governor of Virginia, not only as a compliment
due to the chief magistrate of the state in which I was
serving, but from his accurate knowledge of the localities
of a place in which he had spent the greater part of his
life. ‘To what particular spot would your excellency
direct that we should point the cannon,’ I asked.
‘There,’ promptly replied the noble-minded, patriotic
Nelson, ‘ to that house ; it is mine, and is, now that the
secretary’s is nearly knocked to pieces, the best one in
the town ; and there you will be almost certain to find

* See chapter vi.

THOMAS NELSON.

337

Lord Cornwallis and the British headquarters. Fire
upon it, my dear marquis, and never spare a particle of
my property so long as it affords a comfort or a shelter
to the enemies of my country.’ The governor then
rode away, leaving us all charmed with an instance of
devotional patriotism that would have shed a lustre upon
the purest ages of Grecian or Roman virtue.”*

Another anecdote we will present to our readers ere
we close this brief memoir. “ During the campaign of
1781, when the ruined state of the finances had caused
everything like hard money to have almost entirely
disappeared, Nelson learned that an old Scotchman named

R - , had a considerable sum in gold, which, like most

other moneyed persons of that period, he kept carefully
concealed. The governor waited upon the man of gold,
a rara avis in those times, and begged and prayed for a

loan on behalf of the state. R - was inexorable, saying,

‘ I ken naething of your goovernment, but if ye wull ha’
the siller for youself, general, de’il take me but every
bawbee of it is at your service.’ Nelson accepted the
offer, and obtained on his own bond, and by his own per¬
sonal influence, a loan for the state of Virginia, when
that prominent state had neither a coin in her treasury,
nor credit to obtain one. The governor received the

* When I visited Yorktown a few years ago, Governor Nelson’s house was yet
standing, and was occupied by his grandson. It was a large, two storied brick
building, fronting the main street of the town, a short distance from the river bank.
It bore many scars of the cannonade and bombardment alluded to in the text ; and
in the yard, in front, lay an unexploded bombshell, cast there at the time of the
siege. A few feet from the door, was a fine laurel tree, from whose boughs a hand¬
some civic wreath was made, on the occasion of Lafayette’s visit there in 1824. The
wreath was placed upon the brow of the nation’s guest, when he instantly removed
it, and laid it upon that of Colonel Nicholas Fish, of the Revolution, who accompa¬
nied him, remarking that no one was better entitled to wear the mark of honor
than he.

338

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

gold, and quickly did its circulation give a new and
cheering aspect to our destinies at that momentous
period.”

And now, it would be naturally asked, who paid the
bond and its accumulated interest? Posterity would
answer, a grateful and admiring country, surely. Say,
rather, the impoverished family of the patriot. This,
with other facts of equal moment, caused the author of
these Memoirs to blush for his country, when, during the
triumph of Lafayette, and upon his last visit to Mount
Vernon, the veteran introduced the subject of Nelson,
spoke in the most ardent and enthusiastic terms of his
gallant services, untiring patriotism, and his unexampled
and devotional sacrifices for ' the cause of American In¬
dependence ; and presumed that a grateful and admiring
nation had long since rewarded the descendants of his
old companion-in-arms, his beloved and bosom friend.

It will be matter of interest to all future ages of the
Republic, to learn who of the many worthies that flour¬
ished in the age of Washington were nearest to the
heart of the Pater Patriae. All tradition will agree upon
Greene and Robert Morris. But if they were in the
heart’s core of the chief, as assuredly they were, Nelson,
of Virginia, was at their side. Beloved in life, Washing¬
ton showed his esteem for Nelson’s memory by appoint¬
ing the son, named after the sire, as one of the secreta¬
ries to the first president of the United States, on the
commencement of the federal government in 1789.

Such was Nelson, of Virginia, who, in times that tried
men’s souls, pledged for his country in the halls of her
Independence, his life, and perilled it in her battle-fields ;
pledged his fortune, and lavished it in his country’s

THOMAS NELSON.

339

cause ; pledged his sacred honor, and redeemed it by a
life and actions honored among the most honored.*

Such was a patriot, statesman, and soldier of the
American Revolution — the admired of his countrymen,
the beloved of Washington and Lafayette — whose re¬
spected descendants have appealed, in the name of the
services and sacrifices of their ancestor, to the justice and
magnanimity of a free, powerful, and prosperous empire.

Having lived to witness the consummation of that In¬
dependence, the declaration of which his pen had signed,
and achievements for which his sword had earned, he
closed his eyes in peace, leaving a very numerous family,
and a fortune greatly impaired, by the vast sacrifices he
had made for American liberty. And will the American
reader believe, that the widow of such a patriot and such
a man, lives in Virginia — that very Virginia on which
the name and character of Nelson sheds unfading lustre
— that this venerable relict, now on the verge of human
life, blind and poor, has yet to learn whether an emanci¬
pated country can be just , more than forty years not
having sufficed to show them, whether it can be grateful ,f

* Governor Nelson was a member of the continental Congress in 1776, and
signed the Declaration of Independence. He occupied a seat in that body during
the first half of the war; and in 1781, he was elected governor of Virginia. Because
he exercised his prerogative, as governor of the state, in impressing men into the
military service, on the occasion of the siege of Yorktown, many influential persons
were offended, and many mortal enemies were created. But he outlived all the
attacks of malice, and died on the fourth of January, 1789, in the fiftieth year of his
age. His remains, with many others of his family, repose in the old churchyard at
Yorktown.

t This sketch was first published in the National Intelligencer , on the third of
March, 1836.

340

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XV.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

Birthplace of Hamilton — His early Education — Goes to New York and enters
King’s College — Becomes a Political Writer while in College — Prediction con¬
cerning the Cotton Plant — Estimate of his Character by the Sons of Liberty —
An Artillery Company formed — His ready Sacrifice — His Yiews previous to the
Battle on Long Island — Anonymous Letter — Hamilton at Brunswick — Interview
with Washington — Hamilton and Laurens — Washington in his Tent — Hamilton
at Monmouth — Rupture between Washington and Hamilton — Hamilton at York-
town — He Studies Law — Becomes a Legislator — Member of the Federal Con¬
vention of 178T — His Zeal — Hamilton appointed Secretary of the Treasury —
Morris’s Opinion of him — Gallatin’s Eulogium — Retirement to Private Life —
Anecdote — Hamilton’s Prediction.

In the illustrious Alexander Hamilton were united the
patriot, the soldier, the statesman, the jurist, the orator,
and philosopher, and he was great in them all. Born in
the island of Nevis, the first rudiments of his education
were obtained in Santa Cruz, from which, at a very early
age, he came to America, and completed his studies at
Columbia college, in New York.* In that city the
Revolution found the young West Indian engaged in his

* At that time, and up to the close of the Revolution, it was called King’s col¬
lege, the title by which it was incorporated by George the Second. Young Hamil¬
ton came to New York in the year 1772, and soon afterward prepared for college.
This preparation occupied a year, and he was about to enter the college at Prince¬
ton, when some of its rules not meeting his views, he entered' King’s college,
in the city of New York. The Reverend Myles Cooper, D. D., was the president,
having succeeded Doctor Johnson in 1763. At the very beginning, young Hamil¬
ton was marked as an extraordinary youth. He was between sixteen and seventeen
years of age when he entered that institution.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

341

collegiate studies, and he left the halls of learning for
the camp.

Among the efforts then making in behalf of the royal
cause in New York, were a series of able essays, published
with a view to alarm the patriots as to a rupture with
the mother-country, urging that, in such an event, all
supplies of clothing would be withheld, and thus the most
serious privations be endured by the colonists.* Young
Hamilton wrote a powerful reply to these essays, in
which he proved that resources abounded in the country ;
and then, for the first time in the world, it was left for
this precocious genius to predict that the cotton-plant could
and would be grown in the southern colonies , and woidd yield an
abundance of the raw material for the supply of our ivantsf

* These essays were written chiefly by clergymen of the Church of England.
Among them were Doctor Cooper of the college, Samuel Seabury (afterward a New
England bishop), Doctor Charles Inglis, Doctor Samuel Auchmuty, and Doctor
Chandler. John Holt, who published a warm whig newspaper, had drawn upon
himself the invectives of all the ministerial writers ; and these, at first, Hamilton
burlesqued in doggerel rhyme, with great wit and humor. But afterward, when the
aspect of affairs became more serious, he replied to them with irresistible logic.
Among the most able of these was his “Full Vindication of the Measures of Con¬
gress from the Calumnies of their Enemies,” &c., written in December, 1774, in
reply to Seabury, who wrote over the signature of “ A Westchester Farmer,” he
being a clergyman in that county at the time.

t See Hamilton’s replies to the “ Westchester Farmer” (Mr. Seabury), Hamilton’s
works, vol. ii., first and second articles. In the second, “ The Farmer Refuted,”
he says, “ with respect to cotton, you do not pretend to deny that a sufficient quan¬
tity of that might be produced. Several of the southern colonies are so favorable to
it, that with due cultivation, in a couple of years, they would afford enough to clothe
the whole continent.” It must be remembered that at the time this was written,
the growth of cotton in the colonies was a mere experiment, and only men of far-
seeing discernment, like this extraordinary young man, then dreamed of its becom¬
ing one of our great staples. It was not until twenty years afterward, when Whit¬
ney’s cotton-gin produced a new epoch in our commercial history, that the annual
product of cotton in all North America became a considerable item in our statistics
of production. Up to that time, it was only cultivated for family use in the South.
It is true that seven bags of cotton were sent to Europe from Charleston, as early

342

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The troubles increasing, Mr. Hamilton spoke of revisit¬
ing the West Indies, with a view to recruit his finances.
This the patriots of New York would not hear of for a
moment ; they had witnessed the powers of his pen, and
wished him to try the temper of his sword. “Well, my
friends,” said the gallant youth, “ if you are determined
that I shall remain among you, and take part in your
just and holy cause, you must raise for me a full com¬
pany of artillery.” This was done, and Captain Hamil¬
ton lost no time in enlisting the services of several vet¬
eran artillerists, and, by constant drilling, soon brought
his company into a very high state of order and dis¬
cipline.*

Hamilton was in New York, diligently engaged in his
military duties when the Asia , Captain Vandeput, fired
upon the city.f Retreat becoming necessary, Hamilton

as 1747, and two thousand pounds more in 1770, four years before Hamilton wrote.
It is a remarkable fact, that when, ten years after he wrote (1784), seventy-one bags
were shipped, they were seized by the British government, on the ground that
America could not produce an amount so great.

* Hamilton had already joined a volunteer corps, commanded by Captain Flem¬
ing, formerly an adjutant in the British service, and an exact disciplinarian. Under
his command he acquired considerable knowledge of the rudiments of a military
education. They assumed the name of “ Hearts of Oak,” and they exercised every
morning, before the hour for study or recitation at the college, in the churchyard of
St. George’s chapel, in Beekman street. Their uniforms were green, and on their
leathern caps was the inscription “Freedom or Death.” In March, 1776, Hamil¬
ton became captain of artillery in a New York regiment. In the summer following,
General Greene’s attention was one day arrested, as he was crossing “ The Fields”
(now City Hall park), by the able movements of a company of artillery, com¬
manded by a mere youth. It was Hamilton. Greene conversed with him a few
minutes, and discovered evidences of extraordinary ability. He invited him to
his quarters, cultivated his acquaintance, and introduced him afterward to Wash¬
ington.

f That was in August, 1775. The Asia was a British ship-of-war that lay in the
harbor of New York to overawe the Sons of Liberty, as the whigs were called. At
that time, the republican movements in New York were guided by a committee of

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

343

here displayed that noble disinterestedness and disregard
of self that adorned all the subsequent actions, whether
public or private, of his illustrious life. A cart, drawn
by a single horse, contained the baggage of this young
officer. He ordered his baggage to be abandoned, and
the horse that drew it to be harnessed to the cannon.*
Hamilton’s military talents were apparent in very
early life. Previous to the battle of Long Island, he
crossed over to Brooklyn, and thence, by examining the
positions of the American forces with a military eye, he
became convinced that with such materials as composed
the American army, a conflict with troops which con¬
sisted of all soldiers would be hopeless of success. Filled
with these ideas, Hamilton addressed an anonymous letter
to the commander-in-chief, detailing many and forcible
arguments against risking an action, and warmly recom¬
mending a retreat to the strong grounds of the main-

One Hundred. Governor Tryon’s course was so decidedly hostile to the Sons of
Liberty, and war now appeared so inevitable, that the committee of One Hundred
determined to remove the cannon from the grand battery to a place of safety, for
their own use. Captain John Lamb was directed to perform the act, assisted by his
own artillery company, and an independent corps under Colonel Lasher ; and, with a
body of citizens led by Isaac Sears (better known as King Sears), he proceeded to the
work on the evening of the twenty-third of August. Captain Vandeput of the Asia
had been informed of the intended movement, and sent a barge filled with armed men
to watch the patriots. These were fired upon, when Vandeput opened his ports, and
hurled three round shot into the city, spreading great alarm among the inhabitants.
The church bells were then rung, and soon a broadside came from the Asia. Terror
filled the people, but the sturdy whigs removed every gun, in face of the cannonade.
Hamilton was among the actors, at the head of fifteen of the college students. They
carried two of the six-pound cannon to the college green and buried them, in spite
of the menaces of Dr. Cooper. These stood at the gateway of the college until it
was demolished in 1856.

* In this the author evidently alludes to the retreat from the lines at Brooklyn,
a year later, after the disastrous battle there, when the whole American army with¬
drew across the East river, to New York, under cover of the night and a dense fog
in the morning.

344

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

land. The letter created no little surprise in the mind
of the general, but it was mixed with respect for the
talent displayed by the writer. The disastrous battle of
Long Island is matter of history.*

Hamilton’s artillery joined the American army, and
took part in the memorable retreat through the Jerseys. f
It was at the passage of the Raritan, near Brunswick,
that Hamilton first attracted the notice of the com-
mander-in-chief, who, while posted on the river bank, and
contemplating with anxiety the passage of the troops,
was charmed by the brilliant courage and admirable skill
displayed by a young officer of artillery, who directed a
battery against the enemy’s advanced columns that
pressed upon the Americans in their retreat by the ford. J
The general ordered Lieutenant-Colonel Fitzgerald, his
aid-de-camp, to ascertain who this young officer was, and
bid him repair to headquarters at the first halt of the
army.

At the interview that ensued, Washington quickly

* This occurred on the twenty-seventh of August, 1776. The British and Hes¬
sian troops landed from Staten Island, near the present Fort Hamilton, on Long
Island, and marching up, attacked the Americans, a large portion of whom were
quite strongly intrenched near Brooklyn. About five hundred Americans were
killed or wounded in the engagement, and eleven hundred were made prisoners.

t A combined force of British and Hessians attacked Fort Washington toward
the upper end of York island, and captured it on the sixteenth of November. More
than two thousand Americans were made prisoners. Washington, with a large
portion of the American army, was in the vicinity of Fort Lee, on the Jersey shore,
nearly opposite. Two days afterward, Lord Cornwallis, with six thousand troops,
crossed the Hudson to attack Washington. Fort Lee was abandoned, and for three
weeks the Americans fled before the British across New Jersey, toward the Dela¬
ware.

£ Washington hoped to make a successful stand at Brunswick, but his army was
rapidly dissolving, and was not strong enough to risk an engagement. While the
broken army was retreating from the village, Hamilton, with his field-pieces planted
on the highest ground there, effectually checked the advance of the enemy, and gave
Washington time to get the start by several hours.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

345

discovered in the young patriot and warrior those emi¬
nent qualities of the head and heart that shed such a
renown upon the actions of his after life. From that
interview Washington “ marked him for his own.”

The American commander-in-chief was peculiarly happy
in the selection of the officers of his military family, of
his guard, &c., save in a solitary instance, and in that
instance the individual served but for a very short time.*
The members of the military family and of the Life-
Guard were gentlemen of the first order in intellect,
patriotism, and all right soldierly qualities — they were
attached to the chief and to each other. Hamilton and
Laurens were kindred spirits, brothers alike in arms, in
affection, and in accomplishments, and might be styled
the preux chevaliers of the American army.

Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton was at the side of the
chief during the most eventful periods of the Revolution¬
ary war. In the memorable campaigns of 1777 and
1778, the habit at the headquarters was for the general
to dismiss his officers at a very late hour of the night to
snatch a little repose, while he, the man of mighty labors,
drawing his cloak around him, and trimming his lamp,
would throw himself upon a hard couch, not to sleep, but
to think. Close to his master (wrapped in a blanket,
but 66 all accoutred” for instant service) snored the stout
yet active form of Bitty, the celebrated body-servant
during the whole of the Revolutionary war.f

At this late lone hour silence reigned in the head¬
quarters, broken only by the measured pacing of the

* Colonel Aaron Burr. He was in Washington’s military family at the close of
June, 1776, and entered that of General Putnam early in July,
t See page 157.

346

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

sentinels, and the oft-repeated cry of “ all’s well when
suddenly the sound of a horse-tramp, at speed, is borne
upon the night wind, then the challenging of the guard,
and the passing the word of an express from the lines to
the commander-in-chief. The despatches being opened
and read, there would be heard in the calm deep tones
of that voice, so well remembered by the good and the
brave in the old days of our country’s trial, the command
of the chief to his now watchful attendant, “ Call Colonel
Hamilton /”

The remarkable conduct of the aid-de-camp during the
exciting interview of Washington and Major-General
Lee, on the field of Monmouth, as has been related in
another part of this work, caused no little sensation in
the army at that time. It was indeed a generous burst
of enthusiasm, emanating from a noble and gallant spirit,
that, pure in its own devotion to the1 cause of liberty,
viewed with indignation and abhorrence even the sus¬
picion of treachery in another. It is somewhat singular
that there were several distinguished officers of the
American army, who, judging from events at the close of
the campaign of 1776, anticipated some defection on the
part of Lee, on his return from captivity, and rejoining
his former colors; yet it was left for a member of a
different cloth from the military to give the first alarm
to the commander-in-chief on this momentous subject*

From a difficulty that occurred in 1780, Lieutenant-
Colonel Hamilton retired from the headquarters and
assumed his rank in the line, in the command of a bat¬
talion of light-infantry, then the crack corps of the army. f

* See chapter v. Also note on page 292.
t See note on page 241.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

347

With this command he marched to the South in 1781.
At the siege of Yorktown, it was determined to storm
the two advanced redoubts of the enemy, and the selec¬
tion of officers and men for this daring achievement was
intrusted to Major-General the Marquis de Lafayette.
The marquis lost no time in choosing as the officer who
was to lead the assault Lieutenant-Colonel Gimat, a gal¬
lant Frenchman, who had been attached to the marquis’s
military family.* Hamilton, belonging to the division
of light-infantry commanded by Lafayette, was about to
prefer his claim, when his warmest friends and admirers
dissuaded him, owing, as they said, to the vast influences
in favor of the Frenchman, from the presence of a
splendid French fleet and army, and the universal desire
of doing every possible honor to our generous and gal¬
lant allies. Hamilton observed, “ I am aware that I have
mighty influences to contend with, but I feel assured that
Washington is inflexibly just. I will not urge my claim
on the plea of my long and faithful services, co-eval with
nearly the whole war • I will only plead my rank.” He
accordingly repaired to headquarters. The general re¬
ceived his former and favorite aid-de-camp with great
cordiality and kindness, listened patiently to his repre¬
sentations, and finally granted his claims; and Lieutenant-
Colonel Hamilton, in the presence of three armies, led the
assault on the redoubt on the night of the memorable
fourteenth of October, with a brilliancy of courage and
success that could not be surpassed.-)-

As the Americans mounted the works, the cry of the

* Colonel Gimat was Lafayette’s chief aid-de-camp. He was with the marquis
at the Brandywine, and helped to bear his wounded general from the field.

t See page 240.

348

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

soldiers was, “Remember New London!” alluding to the
cruel massacre of the American troops at Fort Griswold
the year before. When the redoubt was carried, the
vanquished Britons fell on their knees, momently ex¬
pecting the exterminating bayonet ; but not a man was
injured, when no longer resisting. For Hamilton, who
commanded, and Lieutenant-Colonel Laurens, who par¬
ticipated as a volunteer on this brilliant occasion, courage
and mercy have entwined a wreath of laurel that will
never fade.*

Shortly after the surrender of Yorktown, Colonel Ham¬
ilton retired from the army, preserving his rank, but
declining all pay or emolument , and commenced the study
of the law. He was chosen to a seat in the continental
Congress on the twenty-second of July, 1782, where he
remained about a year. While a member of that body,
he wrote a series of essays of great ability, showing the
defects of the old system of government, and recom¬
mending a convention with a view to an entirely new
constitution, government, and laws.f He was elected a

* This is mentioned in the text on page 241, and commented upon in a note on
page 242, which see.

f This proposition for a general convention was submitted to the legislature of
New York, before his election to the continental Congress. He had written a series
of essays on public matters for Loudon’s New York Packet, printed at Fishkill, in
Duchess county, under the general title of The Continentalist, in which the defects
of the Articles of Confederation were ably discussed ; and finally he brought the sub¬
ject before the state legislature, then in session at Poughkeepsie. That body, on
Sunday, the twenty-first of July, 1782, passed a series of resolutions, in the last of which
it was remarked, that “ it is essential to the common welfare, that there should be
as soon as possible, a conference of the whole on the subject, and that it would be
advisable for this purpose to propose to Congress to recommend, and to each state
to adopt, the measure of assembling a general convention of the states,
specially authorized to revive and amend the confederation, reserving the right
to the respective legislatures to ratify their determination.” On the following day
the legislature chose James Duane, William Floyd, John Morin Scott, Ezra L’Hom-
medieu, and Alexander Hamilton, delegates to the continental Congress.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

349

member of the convention of 1787, and was one of the
brightest stars in that constellation of patriots and states¬
men that formed the present happy constitution of the
United States.*

Hamilton’s labors by no means ended with the conven¬
tion of 1787. It required all his zeal and eloquence to
stem the torrent of opposition from Governor Clinton
and others, up to the time of the final adoption of the
constitution by the state of New York.f

In 1789, when the first president was on his way to
the seat of the new government, he stopped in Phila¬
delphia at the house of Robert Morris, and while consult¬
ing with that eminent patriot and benefactor of America,
as to the members of the first cabinet, Washington ob¬
served, “ The treasury, Morris, will of course be your
berth. After your invaluable services as financier of the
Revolution, no one can pretend to contest the office of
secretary of the treasury with you.” Robert Morris
respectfully but firmly declined the appointment, on the
* ground of his private affairs, and then said, “ But, my
dear general, you will be no loser by my declining the

* The recommendation of the legislature of New York, in 1782, on Hamilton’s
suggestion, was finally carried out in 1787. In May of that year, delegates from all
the states, except New Hampshire and Vermont, assembled at Philadelphia.
Washington was a delegate from Virginia; and on motion of Robert Morris, he was
chosen president of the convention. On the twelfth of September following, the
present Constitution of the United States (except a few amendments since) was
adopted.

fin the year 1788, when the Federal Constitution was before the people of the
several states for consideration, it met with much opposition. This opposition,
which at one time promised to prevent its ratification by a majority of the states,
was ably met by a series of articles from the pens of Hamilton, Madison, and Jay,
since collected under the general title of The Federalist. Of the eighty-five numbers
which compose The Federalist, Hamilton wrote fifty-one, Madison twenty-nine, and
Jay five.

350

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

secretaryship of the treasury, for I can recommend to
you a far cleverer fellow than I am for your minister of
finance, in the person of your former aid-de-camp, Colonel
Hamilton” The president was amazed, and continued,
“ I always knew Colonel Hamilton to be a man of supe¬
rior talents, but never supposed that he had any knowl¬
edge of finance.” To which Morris replied, “ He knows
everything, sir ; to a mind like his nothing comes amiss.”
Robert Morris, indeed, had had ample proofs of Hamil¬
ton’s talents in financial matters, the financier having re¬
ceived from the soldier many and important suggestions,
plans, and estimates touching the organization and es¬
tablishment of the bank of North America, in 1780.*

Thus did Alexander Hamilton, from amid the stirring
duties of a camp, devote the vast and varied powers of
his mind to the organization of a system of finance, as
connected with banking operations, that proved of inesti¬
mable service to the cause of the Revolution.

Washington hesitated not a moment in making the
appointment of secretary of the treasury agreeably to-
the recommendation of Morris ; for assuredly there was

* In May, 1781, Mr. Morris submitted to Congress a plan for a national bank,
with a capital of four hundred thousand dollars. Congress approved of the plan,
offered to incorporate the subscribers by the name of the President and Directors of
tho Bank of North America , and decreed that the bills should be receivable in pay¬
ment of all taxes, duties, and debts due the United States. This bank, the first in
the United States, went into successful operation in December, 1781. It greatly
assisted in the restoration of the credit of the government, and was of efficient service
in the financial affairs of the country during the remainder of the war. To secure
the public confidence for the bank, there was a subscription among the citizens in
the form of bonds obliging them to pay, if it should become necessary, in gold and
silver, the amounts annexed to their names, to fulfil the engagements of the bank
As -we have elsewhere observed, Mr. Morris headed the list with fifty thousand dol¬
lars. There were ninety-six subscribers who gave their bonds. Their names may
be seen in the Pennsylvania Packet, June, 1781.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

351

none^ no, not one of the many worthies of the* Revolution
who stood higher in the esteem, or approached nearer to
the heart of the chief than Bobert Morris, the noble and
generous benefactor of America in the darkest hours of
her destiny.

On the very day of the interesting event we have just
related, Mr. Dallas met Hamilton in the street and ad¬
dressed him with, “ Well, colonel, can you tell me who
will be the members of the cabinet ?’ — ■“ Beally, my dear
sir, replied the colonel, “ I can not tell you who will, but
I can very readily tell you of one who will not be of the
number, and that one is your humble servant.” He had
not, at that moment, the remotest idea that Washington
had again in peace, as in war, u marked him for his own.”

The very best eulogium that can be pronounced upon
the fiscal department of the United States, as organized
by Alexander Hamilton, is in the remarks of the Hon.
Albert Gallatin, a political rival, and the most distin¬
guished financier of the successors of the first secretary
of the treasury. Mr. Gallatin has magnanimously de¬
clared that all secretaries of the treasury of the United
States, since the first, enjoyed a sinecure, the genius and
labors of Hamilton having created and arranged every¬
thing that was requisite and necessary for the successful
operation of the department.*

In January, 1795, Hamilton resigned his seat in the

* Mr. Gallatin was a native of Geneva, Switzerland, and came to America in
1780, at the age of eighteen years. He was a relative of M. Necker, the celebrated
French minister of finance. He entered the continental army, and at the close, set¬
tled in Pennsylvania. He was chosen a member of Congress in 1793, and in 1801
Mr. Jefferson called him to his cabinet as secretary of the treasury. He remained
in that office until 1813, when he became a special envoy to negotiate for peace with
Great Britain. He represented our government in France from 1816 until 1823.
He died in 1849 at the age of more than eighty-eight years.

352

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

cabinet and retired to private life. It was our good for¬
tune to be almost domesticated in the family of this great
man, and to see and know much of him in the olden
time. Among the many and imposing recollections of
the great age of the Kepublic that are graven upon our
memory, and, mellowed by time, cheer by their venera¬
ble and benign influences our evening of life, we call up
with peculiar pleasure a reminiscence of the days of the
first presidency embracing the resignation of Hamilton.

It was at the presidential mansion that the ex-sec¬
retary of the treasury came into the room where Mr.
Lear,* Major Jackson, f and the other gentlemen of the
president’s family were sitting. With the usual smile
upon his countenance he observed : “ Congratulate me,
my good friends, for I am no longer a public man ; the
president has at length consented to accept my resigna¬
tion, and I am once more a private citizen.” The gentle¬
men replied that they could perceive no cause for rejoicing
in an event that would deprive the government and the
country of the late secretary’s valuable services. Ham¬
ilton continued : 66 1 am not worth exceeding five hundred dol¬
lars in the ivorld ; my slender fortune and the best years of my
life have been devoted to the service of my adopted country ; a
rising family hath its claims .” Glancing his eye upon a
small book that lay on the table, he took it up and ob¬
served : “ Ah, this is the constitution. Now, mark my
words : So long as ive are a young and virtuous people , this in¬
strument will bind us together in mutual interests , mutual iv elf are,
and mutudl happiness ; but when ive become old and corrupt it
mil bind us no longer .”

* Tobias Lear, Washington’s private secretary,
t Major William Jackson, one of the president’s military aids.

ALEXANDER HAMILTON.

353

Such were the prophetic words of Alexander Hamilton,
uttered half a century ago, and in the very dawn of our
existence as a nation. Let the Americans write them in
their books and treasure them in their hearts. Another
half century, and they may be regarded as truths*

What a spectacle does this touching reminiscence pre¬
sent to the Americans and their posterity ! A great man
of the Revolution, the native of a foreign isle, who had
employed his pen and drawn his sword in the cause of
liberty before a beard had grown upon his chin; re¬
nowned alike in senates and in the field, in the halls of
legislation and the "ranks of death,” proudly acknow¬
ledging his honorable poverty, the result of his many and
glorious services, and resigning one of the highest and
most dignified offices in the government, to retire as a pri¬
vate citizen to labor for the support of a rising family.

Of a truth, upon the Roman model, aye, and that of the
purest and palmiest days of the mistress of the ancient
world, were formed the patriots, statesmen, and warriors
of the American Revolution. Worthy, indeed, are they
to be ranked with the purest and noblest models of an¬
cient virtue and heroism, whom generations yet unborn
will hail as the fathers of liberty and founders of an em¬
pire.

With these reminiscences, endeared to us by many
venerable associations of our other days, and which we
offer as an humble tribute to the fame and memory of
him who was a master-spirit among the great and re¬
nowned that adorned the age of Washington, we close
our brief memoir.

* This was first published in the National Intelligencer , on the twenty fourth of
February, 1845.

354

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XVI.

HENRY LEE.

Washington’s Sagacity in his Selection of Officers — His Favorites — Birth of Lee —
Anecdote of Lee at Princeton — His Person — He Joins the Army — His Exploit at
Paulus’ Hook — Commander of a Partisan Corps — His Qualifications — His Corps —
His Officers — His Services under Greene — Retirement from the Army — His Mar¬
riage — IIis Civil Career — Tns Whiskey Insurrection — Pinckney’s Remarks — Lee’s
Oration on the Death of Washington — His Speculations and Losses — His Death
— His Eloquence in Speech and Readiness as a Writer.

That Washington was eminently fortunate, and showed
his rare and penetrating judgment of mankind, in his
selections of officers, as well for important commands, as
for members of his military family, we may learn from
the history of our olden times. Among many senior
worthies, the illustrious names of Greene, Wayne, and
Morgan, claim prominent rank, while of the young aspir¬
ants in arms, whom the chief may be said to have ushered
to fame, were Lafayette, Hamilton, Pinckney, Laurens,
and Lee. To these, how many more might be added,
on whom the merit-discerning eye of the chief was well-
known to have beamed with peculiar esteem and favor ;
as William Washington* — a namesake, but more related

* William Washington was called “ the modern Marcellus,” “ the sword of his
country,’' and other names indicative of his soldierly qualities. He was a son of
Bailey Washington, of Stafford county, Virginia, where he was born, on the twenty-
eighth of February, 1752. He was educated for the church, but was led into the
field of politics at the beginning of the Revolution. He entered the army as captain
under Colonel (afterward General) Hugh Mercer, and was first in battle on Long
Island. He distinguished himself at Trenton, and was with Mercer when he fell at

HENRY LEE.

355

by glory, than lineage — the gallant, gay, Otho Williams,*
Watty Ste wart, f Cadwalader,J and many, many others.
Our purpose is, to attempt a brief memoir of Lee.

Princeton. He was promoted to major in Colonel Baylor’s cavalry corps, and was
with him when General Gray made his murderous attack upon the corps at Tappan,
in 1778. The following year he joined the army under Lincoln, at the South, and
was very active as commander of horse, in the vicinity of Charleston, during the
siege in 1780. He became attached to the division of General Morgan, and fought
bravely with him at the Cowpens. For his valor there, Congress voted him a silver
medal. He accompanied Greene in his celebrated retreat, and again fought bravely
at Guilford courthouse. At Hobkirk’s hill and Eutaw he behaved gallantly. At
the latter place he was made prisoner, and was a captive till the close of the war.
While in captivity at Charleston, he became attached to a young lady there, married
her, and settled in Charleston. He became conspicuous as a legislator, but declined
being a candidate for governor, chiefly because he could not make a speech. General
Washington, in 1798, chose Colonel Washington to be one of his staff, with the
rank of brigadier. He died on the sixth of March, 1810.

* Otho Holland Williams was born in Prince George county, Maryland, in 1748.
His ancestors were Welsh, and came to America soon after Lord Baltimore became
proprietor of the province of Maryland. He was left an orphan at twelve years of
age. He was a resident of Frederick county when the war of the Revolution began,
where he entered the military service as lieutenant of a rifle corps under Colonel
Michael Cresap, and with that officer he went to Boston. He was afterward pro¬
moted to the command of his company. In 1776 he was promoted to major, and
fought at Fort Washington with distinction. In that engagement he was wounded
and captured, and for some time experienced the horrors of the provost prison of
New York. He was afterward exchanged for Major Ackland, captured at Saratoga.
During his captivity, he was appointed to the command of a regiment in the Mary¬
land line. He was Gates’s adjutant-general during the campaign of 1780. When
Gates collected the remnant of his army, scattered at Camden, the Marylanders
were formed into two battalions, constituting one regiment. To Williams was
assigned the command, with John Eager Howard as his lieutenant. When Greene
assumed the command of the southern army, he perceived the value of Williams,
and appointed him adjutant-general. In Greene’s memorable retreat, and the sub¬
sequent battle of Guilford, Williams greatly distinguished himself; and at Eutaw
Springs he led the celebrated charge which swept the field and gained the temporary
victory. Congress promoted him to the rank of brigadier ; and at the dose of the
war he received the appointment of collector of customs at Baltimore, which office
he held until his death, which occurred on the sixteenth of July, 1794, while on his
way to a watering-place for the benefit of his health.

t Colonel Walter Stewart was of Irish descent, had a fair and florid complexion,
was vivacious, intelligent, and well educated ; and, it is said, was the handsomest
man in the American army.

X General John Cadwalader, of Philadelphia.

356

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Henry Lee was born in the county of Stafford, and
state of Virginia, and was educated at Nassau Hall,* in
the years immediately prior to the Revolution. In very
early life he showed a disposition toward manliness, as
appears from a ludicrous anecdote, probably still extant
in the village of Princeton. At that day, the village
possessed but one knight of the strap, commonly called
a barber, who mowed the chins and powdered the wigs
of the " grave and reverend seigniors” of the faculty.
Young Lee one day entered the shop, and pompously
called to the operator, "Shave me, sir.” Old Razor,
though a dealer in suds, was a dry fellow, and a cele¬
brated wag. After looking for a moment with surprise
at his new customer, he seated the youthful aspirant to
the honors of a beard, in a chair, and having lathered
him up to the eyes, flourished the steel as if about to
begin ; then, laying it down, went to the door, and con¬
tinued walking backward and forward in the street, as
though he were looking for something which had been
lost. Lee bore his situation for a while, with philosophic
calmness, till his patience being exhausted, he roared out,
" Why don’t you come and shave me, sir?” — " Because,”
replied the waggish tonsor, " I am looking for your beard”
From academic groves, Lee, then scarcely nineteen,
repaired to the tented field. Of a height not exceeding
the middle stature, with a form light and agile, a quick
and penetrating glance, and a genius predominant to¬
ward arms, the youthful militaire was attached to the

* This is the name of the principal building of the College of New Jersey, at
Princeton. It was erected in 1758, and was so named by Governor Belcher, in
honor of William of Nassau, king of England, “ who, under God/' he said, “was
the great deliverer of 'the British nation from those two monstrous furies, popery and
lavery

HENRY LEE.

357

cavalry service, and became distinguished in the early
campaigns of the Revolution.

The affair of Paulus’s Hook, in ’79, in which a detach¬
ment led by Lee, succeeded in the surprise and capture
of the enemy, “ marked him for promotion.” In reward
of this brilliant achievement, Congress voted a gold
medal,* and the commander-in-chief was pleased to author¬
ize Major Lee to raise and discipline a partisan legion, to
consist of three companies of horse, and as many of infan¬
try, and to command the same, with the rank of lieu-
tenanbcolonel.f No officer in the American army could
have been better fitted than Lee for the command of a
partisan corps ; for in the surprise of posts, in gaining
intelligence, of distracting and discomfiting your enemy,
without bringing him to a general action, and all the
strategy which belongs to the partisan warfare, few
officers in any service have been more distinguished
than the subject of our memoir. The legion of Lee,
under the untiring labors of its active, talented com-

* Paulus’s Hook was the name of the point of land upon which Jersey City now
stands, opposite New York. The British erected quite strong military works there,
after they took possession of the city of New York and the Jerseys. Major Lee was
stationed not far from that point, in the summer of 1779, and learned that Major
Sutherland, the commander of the garrison, resting in fancied security, was by no
means vigilant. Fired with enthusiasm at the success of Wayne at Stony Point,
Lee asked permission of Washington to attack the garrison at Paulus’s Hook. It
was granted ; and in the evening of the eighteenth of August, Lee set out in high
spirits, with three hundred men, followed at helping distance by Lord Stirling with
five hundred more. At three o’clock in the morning, he fell upon the little fort,
killed thirty of the garrison in prosecuting the assault, and made one hundred and
fifty-nine prisoners. For this exploit, the Congress honored Lee with a vote of
thanks, and ordered a gold medal to be struck in commemoration of the occasion,
and presented to him.

t Major Lee was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in November, 1780, and on the
thirty-first of October, Congress ordered him to join Greene in the South, with his
corps.

358

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

mander, became one of the most efficient corps in the
American army.

The horsemen were principally recruited in the South¬
ern and Middle states — countries proverbial for furnish¬
ing skilful riders ; while the horses, under the inspec¬
tion of the Virginian commander, were superior in bone
and figure, and could many of them have boasted a lineal
descent from the Godolphin Arabian.

Among Lee’s officers, were the good and gallant names
of Eggleston, Rudolph, Armstrong, O’Neil, and the sur¬
viving honored veterans Allen M‘Lane of Delaware, and
Harrison of Virginia.* The arrival of the legion in the
South was hailed as most auspicious to the success of our
arms in that quarter ; indeed, so fine a corps of horse
and foot, so well disciplined, and in such gallant array,
was rarely to be seen in those our days of desolation.
The partisan legion did good service in the campaigns of
the Carolinas, and the commander won his way to the
esteem and confidence of Greene, the well-beloved of Wash¬
ington , as he had previously done to the esteem and con¬
fidence of the great chief himself ; j* and, as a justice to
the great military sagacity of Lee, let it be remembered,
that he was mainly instrumental in advising Greene to
that return to the Carolinas , which eventuated in the deci-

* This was first published in the National Intelligencer, on the twenty-fifth of
August, 1828.

t In the early part of the war, Lee distinguished himself for skill and bravery,
and Washington became very much attached to him. On one occasion while the
Americans were encamped at Valley Forge, Lee performed a gallant exploit, and
Washington, not content with honoring him with a public notice, wrote a private
letter to him full of the warmest expressions of friendship. It is believed that Wash¬
ington’s friendship for Lee was partly based upon the remembrance of his early
love for Lee’s mother, the “ lowland beauty” of which he wrote, as having won
his heart when he was a lad of sixteen years.

HENRY LEE.

359

sive and glorious combat of Eutaw,* and the -virtual liber¬
ation of the South. With the close of the campaign of
1781, ended the military services of Lieutenant-Colonel
Lee.f He retired on furlough to Virginia, and was hap¬
pily present at the surrender of his old adversary, the
formidable Cornwallis, at Yorktown, October 19th. Lee
married shortly afterward, and settled in the county of
Westmoreland, but was permitted, by his grateful and
admiring countrymen, for a short time only, to enjoy the
“ otium cum dignitate” being successively chosen to the
state legislature, the convention for ratifying the con¬
stitution, the gubernatorial chair, and the Congress of
the United States.J

On the breaking out of the western insurrection, Lee,
then governor of Virginia, was appointed by the presi¬
dent to the command-in-chief of the forces which were
marched to the seat of rebellion^ To this appointment,

* In September, 1781. The British army in South Carolina had been driven to¬
ward the sea-board, and was encamped at Eutaw Springs, near the southwest bank
of the Santee river, about sixty miles from Charleston. There, on the morning of
the eighth of September, Greene, with a considerable force, fell upon the enemy, and
a severe battle ensued. The British were driven from their camp, when Greene’s
troops carelessly strolled among the tents which the enemy had left. The British
unexpectedly renewed the conflict, and after a bloody battle of four hours, the Amer¬
icans had to give way. That night the British retreated toward Charleston, and the
next morning Greene took possession of the battle-field. In that engagement, Lee
and his legion were very conspicuous.

t In January, 1782, Colonel Lee sought and obtained permission to leave the
army on account of his impaired health, when Greene declared that his services
had been greater than those of any one man attached to the southern army.

| He was a delegate in Congress for Virginia, in 1786, and in 1788 he was a
member of the state convention, called to ratify the federal constitution. In 1792
he was elected governor of Virginia, and in 1799 he was again elected to a seat in
Congress.

§ This is known in history as the “ Whiskey Insurrection,” and occurred in
Western Pennsylvania, in 1794. It greAv out of an unpopular excise law passed in
1791, which imposed duties on domestic distilled liquors. A new act on the subject,

360

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Major-General Morgan, who commanded the troops de¬
tailed from Virginia, at first demurred, Morgan having
been a brigadier in the old service of the Revolution,
while the rank of Lee was that of lieutenant-colonel ; but
the hero of the Cowpens soon waived his claims of rank,
with the same magnanimous sentiments which afterward
distinguished the estimable Charles Cotesworth Pinck¬
ney, in the difference about rank, in the army of 1798,
who said, “ He [the chief] should know us best ; we are all
his children, and he must be the best judge of our re¬
spective merits.”

With the advantages of a classical education, General
Lee possessed taste, and distinguished powers of elo¬
quence ; and was selected, on the demise of Washington,
to deliver the oration in the funeral solemnities decreed
by Congress in honor of the Pater Patriae.* The oration
having been but imperfectly committed to memory, from
the very short time in which it was composed, somewhat
impaired its effect upon the auditory ; but, as a composi¬
tion, it has only to be read to be admired, for the purity
and elegance of its language, and the powerful appeal it
makes to the hearts of its readers ; and we will venture

equally unpopular, was passed by Congress in the spring of 1794 ; and when, soon
after the session had closed, officers were sent out to the western districts of Penn¬
sylvania to enforce the law, the inhabitants presented armed resistance. The insur¬
rection became general throughout all that region, and in the vicinity of Pittsburgh
many outrages were committed. Buildings were burned, mails were robbed, and
government officers were abused. President Washington first issued two procla¬
mations (August 7 and September 25), but without effect. All peaceable means for
maintaining law being exhausted, he ordered out a large body of the militia of Vir¬
ginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. These marched to the insurgent dis¬
trict in October, under the command of General Lee, who was then the governor of
Virginia. The military argument was effectual, and the rebellion was crushed.

* An account of the congressional proceedings on that occasion will be found in
another part of this work.

HENRY LEE.

361

to affirm, that it will rank among the most celebrated
performances of those highly distinguished men who
mounted the rostrum on that imposing occasion of na¬
tional mourning *

With his congressional career ended the better days
of this highly-gifted man. An unhappy rage for specu¬
lation caused him to embark upon that treacherous
stream, which gently, and almost imperceptibly, at first,
but with sure and fearful rapidity at last, hurries its vic¬
tims to the vortex of destruction. It was, indeed, lament¬
able to behold the venerable Morris and Lee, patriots,
who, in the senates of liberty, and on her battle-fields,
had done the “ state such service,” instead of enjoying a
calm and happy evening of life, to be languishing in
prison and in exile. Lee, after long struggling with
adversity, sought in a foreign land a refuge from his
many ills, where, becoming broken in health, he returned
home to die. He reached the mansion of Greene, and
fortune, relenting of her frowns, lit up his few remaining
days with a smile. There, amid attentions the most con¬
soling and kindly, surrounded bTr lecollections of his old
and loved commander, the most fond and endearing, the
worn and wearied spirit of the patriot, statesman, and
soldier of liberty, found rest in the grave, f

In one particular, Lee may be said to have excelled
his illustrious cotemporaries Marshall, Madison, Hamilton,
Gouverneur Morris, and Ames. It was in a surprising

* Lee’s oration is printed in the appendix of this volume.

t General Lee was severely injured by a political mob in Baltimore, in 1812, and
never recovered. He went to the West Indies with the hope of improving his health,
but it continually declined. Early in 1818 he returned to the United States. He
stopped at the house of Mrs. Shaw, the daughter of his old friend and companion-in-
arms, General Greene, on Cumberland island, off the coast of Georgia, where he
died on the twenty-fifth of March, at the age of sixty-two years.

362

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

quickness of- talent, a genius sudden, dazzling, and always
at command, with an eloquence which seemed to flow
unbidden. Seated at a convivial board, when the death
of Patrick Henry was announced, Lee called for a scrap
of paper, and, in a few moments, produced a striking and
beautiful eulogium upon the Demosthenes of modern
liberty. His powers of conversation were also fascinating
in the extreme, possessing those rare and admirable
qualities which seize and hold captive his hearers, de¬
lighting while they instruct. That Lee was a man of
letters, a scholar who had ripened under a truly classical
sun, we have only to turn to his work on the southern
war, where he was, indeed, the “ magna pars fid” of all
which he relates — a work which well deserves to be ranked
with the commentaries of the famed master of the Ro¬
man world, who, like our Lee, was equally renowned with
the pen as the sword.* But there is a line, a single line,
in the works of Lee, which would hand him over to im¬
mortality, though he had never written another. “ First
in war , first in peace , and first in the hearts of his countrymen ”
will last while language lasts.f What a sublime eulogium
is pronounced in this noble line ! So few words, and yet
how illustrative are they of the vast and matchless char¬
acter of W ashington ! They are words which will descend
with the memory of the hero they are meant to honor, to
the veneration of remotest posterity, and be graven on
colossal statues of the Pater Patrise in some future age.t

* General Lee’s Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United
States, were written in 1808, and the last edition was printed in 1827. It is a work
of great interest, and very reliable. It is now sought after by all collectors of works
on American history, but can rarely be found, having been out print for many years.

t This notable expression was used by General Lee in his oration on the character
of Washington.

J These words were cut upon the granite pedestal of Greenough’s “ colossal

HENRY LEE.

368

The attachment of Lee to Washington was like that
of Hamilton, pure and enthusiastic — like that of the
chivalric Laurens, devotional. It was in the praise of
his a hero, his friend, and a country’s preserver,” that the
splendid talent of Lee were often elicited, with a force
and grandeur of eloquence wholly his own. The fame
and memory of his chief was the fondly-cherished pas¬
sion to which he clung amid the wreck of his fortunes —
the hope, which gave warmth to his heart when all else
around him seemed cold and desolate.

But shall the biographer’s task he complete, when the
faults of his subject are not taken in the account? Of
faults, perhaps the subject of our memoir had many;
yet how admirable is the maxim handed down to us from
the ancients, “ de mortals nil , nisi bonwn.” Let the faults
of Lee be buried in his distant grave — let the turf of
oblivion close over the failings of him, whose early de¬
votion to liberty, in liberty’s battles — whose eloquence in
her senates, and historical memoirs of her times of trial,
shed a lustre on his country in the young days of the
Republic ; and when the Americans of some future date
shall search amid the records of their early history for
the lives of illustrious men, who flourished in the a^e
of Washington, high on a brilliant scroll will they find
inscribed, Henry Lee, a son of Virginia — the patriot,
soldier, and historian of the Revolution, and orator and
statesman of the Republic.

statue” of Washington (now within the square, eastward of the Federal capitol)
fifteen years after this prophecy was written.

364

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XYII.

BIRTH-NIGHT BALLS AND THE THEATRE.

Institution of the Birth-Night Ball — Celebration of Washington’s Birthday —
Washington’s Attendance upon the Balls — Decorations of the Ladies — The Min¬
uet— Washington’s Last Dance — His Last Attendance at a Ball — Washington
Fond of the Theatre — Deception of the President at the Theatre — The The¬
atrical Company— Music on the Occasion of Washington’s Attendance — Despo¬
tism of the Pit and Gallery — Revolutionary Sentiment.

The birth-night ball was instituted at the close of the
Revolutionary war, and its first celebration, we believe,
was held in Alexandria * Celebrations of the birth-night
soon became general in all the towns and cities, the
twenty-second of February, like the fourth of July, being
considered a national festival, while the peculiarity attend¬
ing the former was, that its parade and ceremonies
always closed with the birth-night ball. In the larger
cities, where public balls were customary, the birth-night,
in the olden time, as now, was the gala assembly of the
season. It was attended by all the beauty and fashion,
and at the seat of government, by the foreign ambassa¬
dors, and by strangers of distinction. The first president

* The French officers who served in America during the Revolution, appear to
have celebrated the birthday of Washington immediately after the war. This fact
is indicated by the following paragraph in a letter written by Washington to the
Count de Rochambeau, in the spring of 1784. He says, “ The flattering distinction
paid to the anniversary of my birthday, is an honor for which I dare not attempt to
express my gratitude. I confide in your excellency’s sensibility to interpret my feel¬
ings for this, and for the obliging manner in which you are pleased to announce it.”

BIRTH-NIGHT BALLS AND THE THEATRE.

365

always attended on the birth-night. The etiquette was,
not to open the ball until the arrival of him in whose
honor it was given ; but, so remarkable was the punc¬
tuality of Washington in all his engagements, whether
fgr business or pleasure, that he was never waited for a
moment in appointments for either. Among the brilliant
illustrations of a birth-night of five-and-thirty years ago,*
the most unique and imposing was the groups of young
and beautiful ladies, wearing in their hair bandeaux or
scrolls, having embroidered thereon, in language both
ancient and modern, the motto of “ Long live the president /”f

* This was first published in the National Intelligencer, on the twenty-second of
February, 1830.

f In a very interesting letter, dated Philadelphia, twenty-fifth May, 1859, which I
received from the venerable Samuel Breck of that city, giving me a brief record of
his recollections of Washington’s visit to Boston in 1789, he says, after speaking of
a dinner party at Governor Hancock’s — “ Meantime the French ships of war in the
harbor were dressed in variegated lamps, and bonfires blazed in the streets. The
ladies wore bandeaux , cestuses, and ribbons, stamped and embroidered with the name of
Washington: ; some in gold and silver letters, and some in pearls.”

The birthday of Washington was early celebrated among the masses of the people.
They had been accustomed to do honor to the birthday of King George, on the
fourth of June ; now they more delighted to do honor to a nobler George, on the
twenty-second of February. Popular songs often enlivened the occasion, and ex¬
pressed the sentiments of the people. One of these, written more than sixty years
ago, is preserved, from which I quote some stanzas as a specimen of its spirit

“ Come boys, close the windows and make a good fire,

Wife, children, sit snug all around :

’Tis the day that gave birth to our country’s blessed sire,

Then let it with pleasure be crowned.

Dear wife, bring your wine, and, in spite of hard times,

On this day at least we’ll be merry :

Come, fill every glass till it pours o’er the brim,

If not with Madeira — then Sherry.
*****

“ May the laurels of fame that his temples enwreathed,

Ever flourish in gratitude’s tears :

0 ! ever his name with devotion be breathed —

That name which our country endears.”

366

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The minuet (now obsolete), for the graceful and ele¬
gant dancing of which Washington was conspicuous, in
the vice-regal days of Lord Botetourt in Virginia, declined
after the Revolution. The commander-in-chief danced,
for his last time, a minuet, in 1781, at the ball given in
Fredericksburg, in honor of the French and American
officers, on their return from the triumphs at York town.*
The last birth-night attended by the venerable chief was
in Alexandria, twenty-second February, 1798. Indeed
he always appeared greatly to enjoy the gay and festive
scene exhibited at the birth-night balls, and usually re¬
mained to a late hour; for, remarkable as he was for
reserve, and the dignified gravity inseparable from his
nature, Washington ever looked with most kind and
favoring eye, upon the rational and elegant pleasures of
life.f

The first president was partial to the amusements of
the theatre, and attended some five or six times in a sea¬
son, more especially when some public charity was to

* See page 144.

t The following letter from Washington, written about a month before his death,
has an interest in this connection. It was in reply to an invitation from a com¬
mittee of gentlemen of Alexandria to attend the dancing assemblies at that place. I
copied it from the original in the Alexandria Museum, in 1848.

“ To Messrs. Jonathan Swift , George Deneale, William Newton , Robert Young ,
Charles Alexander, Junior, James H. Hoole, Managers.

“Mount Vernon, 12th November, 1799.

“ Gentlemen — Mrs. Washington and myself have been honored with your polite
invitation to the assemblies of Alexandria this winter, and thank you for this mark
of your attention. But, alas ! our dancing days are no more. We wish, however,
all those who have a relish for so agreeable and innocent an amusement all the
pleasure the season will afford them ; and I am, gentlemen,

“ Your most obedient and obliged humble servant,

“ Geo. Washington.”

See letters of Washington and Custis, July 1 and July 10, on pages 89 and 90
of this volume.

BIRTH-NIGHT BALLS AND THE THEATRE.

367

be benefitted by the performance. The habit was, for
the manager to wait on the president, requesting him to
command a play ; the pieces so commanded partook of
but little variety, but must be admitted to have been in
excellent taste — the “ School for Scandal,” and “ Every
one has his Fault,” for the plays, and for the afterpieces,
there was almost a standing order for the “ Poor Soldier”
and “ Wignell’s Darby.”* The old American company,

* In his diary, under date of Tuesday, November 24, 1789, Washington re¬
corded as follows : “ A good deal of company at the levee to-day. Went to the play
in the evening — sent tickets to the following ladies and gentlemen, and invited them
to take seats in my box, viz. : Mrs. Adams (lady of the vice-president), General
Schuyler and lady, Mr. King and lady, Major Butler and lady, Colonel Hamilton
and lady, Mrs. Greene — all of whom accepted and came, except Mrs. Butler,
who was indisposed.” What a group for our contemplation !

The theatre was in John street, north side, not far eastward from Broadway. It
was a small, frail affair, and capable of holding only about three hundred persons.
This was, doubtless, the occasion described by Dunlap, when Wignell performed
the part of Darby, in the interlude of Darby’s Return , a play written by that gentle¬
man. Darby (an Irish lad) recounts his adventures in the United States and else¬
where. When he related what befell him in the city of New York, at the inauguration
of the president, &c., “the interest expressed by the audience,” says Dunlap, “in
the looks and the changes of countenance of the great man [Washington], became
intense.” At the descriptive lines —

“ A man who fought to free the land from woe,

Like me, had left his farm, a soldiering to go,

But having gained his point, he had, like me,

Returned his own potatoe-ground to see.

“ But then he could not rest. With one accord,

He is called to be a kind of — not a lord —

I don’t know what ; he ’s not a great man, sure,

For poor men love him just as he were poor” —
the president looked serious ; and when Kathleen asked,

“ How looked he, Darby 1 Was he short or tall V’ —
Washington’s countenance showed embarrassment from the expectation of one of
those eulogies which he had been compelled “ to hear on many public occasions, and
which must, doubtless, have been a severe trial to his feelings.” The president was
relieved by Darby’s declaration that he had not seen him.

Mr. Dunlap, in his “ History of the American Theatre,” alludes thus to the fact,

B68

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

comprising Hallam and Henry, Harper, Wignell, and old
Morris, first played in 1789, in the theatre in John street,
and nothing more truly shows our transcendant march
toward refinement, than the contrast between the hum¬
ble, nay, barn-like theatre, which the first president
attended forty years ago, and the now various and mag¬
nificent temples of Thespis, which adorn the present
great and splendid city of New York.

“ The company moved with the government to Phila¬
delphia, and performed in the old theatre, Southwark, in
which was some scenery, said to have been painted by
the interesting and unfortunate Major Andre, until the
erection of the house in Chestnut street, where we be¬
lieve the curtain fell upon the exits of the last remnants
of the old American company *

In New York, the play-bill was headed, “By particular
desire ,” when it was announced that the president would
attend. On those nights the house would be crowded
from top to bottom, as many to see the hero as the play.
Upon the president’s entering the stage-box with his family,
the orchestra would strike up The President’ s March (now
Hail Columbia ), composed by a German named Feyles, in
’89, in contradistinction to the march of the Revolution,

that in the theatrical world particular regard was had to the birthday of Washing¬
ton : “ The theatre having been closed for the benefit of the managers, was re¬

opened on the twenty-second of February [1810], with Gustavus Vasa, a play
thought appropriate for the birthday of Washington, and frequently as such brought
forward.”

* Major Andr6 was chiefly instrumental in getting up theatrical performances in
Philadelphia, during the occupancy of that city by the Britiish army, in the winter
of 1777, ’78, and tradition says that he painted nearly all the scenery that was used.
Wignell, of the old American company, opened the theatre in Philadelphia (a new
and splendid one), on the seventeenth of February, 1794. The last performance of
the old American company was, I believe, in 1798, at about which time the Park
theatre in New York was opened, with a new and strong company.

BIRTH-NIGHT BALLS AND THE THEATRE.

369

called Washington's March * The audience applauded
on the entrance of the president, but the pit and gallery
were so truly despotic in the early days of the republic,
that so soon as Mail Columbia had ceased, Washington's
March was called for by the deafening din of an hundred
voices at once, and upon its being played, three hearty
cheers would rock the building to its base. Indeed, five-
and-thirty years ago there could not be gotten together
any large public assembly without a considerable spice
of the Revolution being among it. The soldiers and
sailors of the War for Liberty abounded in all public
places, and no sooner would their old chief appear, than
off came each hat, and the shout of welcome resounded,
pure, spontaneous, direct from the heart.

* The song of Hail Columbia , adapted in measure to the President’s March, was
written by Joseph Hopkinson, of Philadelphia, in 1798. At that time war with
France was expected, and a patriotic feeling pervaded the community. Mr. Fox, a
young singer and actor, called upon Mr. Hopkinson one morning, and said, “ To¬
morrow evening is appointed for my benefit at the theatre. Not a single box has
been taken, and I fear there will be a thin house. If you will write me some patri¬
otic verses to the tune of the “ President’s March,” I feel sure of a full house.
Several people about the theatre have attempted it, but they have come to the con¬
clusion that it can not be done. Yet I think you may succeed.” Mr. Hopkinson
retired to his study, wrote the first verse and chorus, and submitted them to
Mrs. Hopkinson, who sang them to a harpsichord accompaniment. The time and
the words harmonized. The song was soon finished, and that evening the young
actor received it. The next morning the theatre-placards announced that Mr. Fox
would sing a new patriotic song. The house was crowded — the song was sung —
the audience were delighted — eight times it was called for and repeated, and when
sung the ninth time, the whole audience stood up and joined in the chorus. Night
after night, uIIail Columbia ” was applauded in the theatres ; and in a few days it
was the universal song of the boys in the streets. Such was the original of our
national song, Hail Columbia.

370

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XVIII.

LIFE AT MOUNT VERNON.*

Washington Resigns his Commission — In Retieement at Mount Yeenon — His Own
Aechitect and Oyeeseee — Impeovement op his Estate — Enjoyment op Peivate Life

— Two of his Aids at Mount Yeenon — Bishop the Old Body-Seevant — Bishop on
“Bbaddock’s Field’’' — His Attachment to the Foetunes op Washington — Too Old
foe Campaigning in the Revolution — Washington’s Inteecoubse with him — Colo¬
nel Smith’s Gallantey — Bishop’s Daughteb Affeighted — The Weath op Bishop

— Billy a Peacemakee — Bishop’s Weath Assuaged — Washington in the Conven¬
tion op 1787 — Chaeles Thomson at Mount Yeenon — Washington, Peesident op the
United States.

After the sublime and touching event of the “ resigna¬
tion of the commission/’ at Annapolis, on the twenty-
third of December, 1783, Washington hastened to his
beloved retirement, hung up his sword, and prepared to
enjoy the delights of rural and domestic life.f

* This was first published in the National Intelligencer , on the twenty-second of
February, 1848.

t The British army evacuated the city of New York, their last resting-place on
the soil of the United States, on the twenty-fifth of November, 1783. The American
army was disbanded immediately afterward, and on the fourth of December, Wash¬
ington bade his officers farewell, in a most touching personal interview, in New York.
He then went to Philadelphia, where the fiscal officers of the government received
from his hands a full statement of his receipts and expenditures during the war. The
Congress were then in session at Annapolis, to which place he journeyed, and on
the twenty-third of December, he resigned his commission as commander-in-chief of
the armies of the United States, into the hands of Thomas Mifflin, the president of
Congress. This was done at a public audience, Washington addressing the presi¬
dent in words appropriate for the occasion, and Mifflin replying in a most compliment¬
ary manner. “ Having defended,” he said, “ the standard of liberty in this new
world — having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict and to those who feel
oppression — you retire from the great theatre of action with the blessings of your
fellow-citizens. But the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military
command ; it will continue to animate remotest ages.”

LIFE AT MOUNT VERNON.

The same exact and economical distribution of time,
the same methodical and active habits of business, that
had so triumphantly borne the commander of armies
through the mighty labors of an eight years’ war, were
now destined, in the works of peace, alike to distinguish
the illustrious farmer of Mount Yernon.

After so long an absence, the retired general, on re¬
turning to his home, found that there was much to
create. Previous to the war, the establishment of Mount
Yernon was upon a very limited scale. The mansion-
house was small, having but four rooms on a floor ; and
there were wanting nearly all of the present outbuild¬
ings and offices.

Washington was his own architect and builder, laying
off everything himself. The buildings, gardens, and
grounds all rose to ornament and usefulness under his
fostering hand*

His landed estate, comprising eight thousand acres,
underwent many and important changes and improve¬
ments. It was divided into farms, with suitable en¬
closures ; hedges were planted, and excellent farm-build¬
ings were erected, from European models. Devoting
much time and attention to these various objects, Wash¬
ington accomplished the most important of his improve¬
ments in the very short space of from four to five years.f

* In the arrangement and embellishment of his grounds, as well as in the enlarge¬
ment and improvement of the mansion-house, Washington attended to the minutest
details. He made drawings of every plan, made a memorandum of every relative
distance of buildings, inclosures, et cetera, and designated the position of every tree
that was planted. I have before me some of his original drawings, in which all
these details appear, with memoranda in his neat handwriting. One of these drawings,
published in “ Mount Vernon and its Associations,” shows the form of the lawn on
the west front of the mansion, the flower and vegetable garden, and the name and
position of every tree.

t At the close of the war, Washington commenced very extensive improvements

372

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Nor was his time exclusively allotted to business ; he
had a 66 time for all things ” He enjoyed the pleasures

at Mount Vernon. The mansion was greatly enlarged, the noble piazza that adorns
the river-front, the observatory and cupola upon the roof, and the kitchen and laun¬
dry, and connecting colonnades, as they now appear, were erected. In all these im¬
provements, Washington had an eye to utility and durability. The out-buildings
were made of the most substantial materials, and the floors of the piazza and the
covered colonnades were paved with cut stone. In this connection, the following
letter to Mr. Rumney, of Alexandria (formerly an aid to General Lee), already
alluded to in a note on page 171, will he found very interesting :

“ General Washington presents his compliments to Mr. Rumney — would esteem
it as a particular favor if Mr. Rumney would make the following enquiries as soon
as convenient, after his arrival in England ; and communicate the result of them by
the Packet, or any other safe and expeditious conveyance to this country.

“First. The terms upon which the best kind of Whitehaven Flag stone — black
& white in equal quantities — could be delivered at the Port of Alexandria by
the superficial foot, workmanship, freight & every other incidental charge in¬
cluded. - The stone to be 2| Inches, or thereabouts, thick; and exactly afoot

square — each kind. To have a rich polished face, and good joints so as that a
neat floor may be made therewith.

“2nd. Upon what terms the common Irish Marble (black & white if to be had)
— same dimensions, could be delivered as above.

“ 3rd. As the General has been informed of a very cheap Kind of Marble, good
in quality at or in the neighborhood of Ostend, he would thank Mr. Rumney,
if it should fall in his way, to institute an enquiry into this also.

“ On the Report of Mr. Rumney, the General will take his ultimate determination ;
for which reason he prays him to be precise and exact. The Piazza or Colonade
for which this is wanted as a floor is ninety-two feet, eight inches, by twelve feet
eight inches within the margin, or border that surrounds it. Over and above the
quantity here mentioned, if the above Flags are cheap — or a cheaper kind of hard
Stone could be had, he would get as much as would lay floors in the Circular Col-
onades, or covered ways at the wings of the House — each of which at^the outer
curve, is 38 feet in length by 7 feet 2 Inches in breadth, within the margin or bor¬
der as aforesaid.

“ The General being in want of a House Joiner & Bricklayer who understand their
respective trades perfectly, would thank Mr. Rumney for enquring into the terms
upon which such workmen might be Engaged for two or three years ; (the time of
service, to commence upon the Ship’s arrival at Alexandria,) a shorter term than
two years would not answer, because foreigners generally have a seasoning ; which
with other interruptions too frequently waste the greater part of the first year —
more to the disadvantage of the employer than the Employed. — Bed board & Tools
to be found by the former, clothing by the latter.

“ If two men of the above Trades and of orderly and quiet deportment could be
obtained for twenty-five or even thirty pounds sterling, per annum each (estimating

LIFE AT MOUNT VERNON.

373

of the chase, visited his friends, and received and enter¬
tained the numerous guests who crowded to his hospita¬
ble mansion. Indeed, in the retirement at Mount Ver¬
non, from ’83 to ’89, were probably passed the very hap¬
piest days of this great man’s life. Glorying in the
emancipation of his country from foreign thraldom ; sur¬
rounded by many and dear friends ;■ hailed with love
and gratitude by his countrymen wherever he appeared
among them ; receiving tokens of esteem and admiration
from the good, the gifted, and the great, of the most
enlightened nations in the civilized world ; engaged in
the pursuits of agriculture — pursuits that were always
most congenial to his tastes and wishes — amid so many
blessings we may well believe that in the retirement at
Mount Vernon Washington was happy.

On leaving Annapolis the general was accompanied
by two of the officers of his former staff, Colonels
Humphreys* and Smith, f who were a long time at

dollars at 4|6) the General, rather than sustain the loss of Time necessary for com¬
munication would be obliged to Mr. Rumney for entering into proper obligatory
articles of agreement on his behalf with them and sending them by the first vessel
bound to this Port. “ Geo. Washington.

“ Mount Vernon, July 5, 1784.”

* David Humphreys was distinguished as a poet and soldier. He was born at
Derby, Connecticut, in 1753, and was graduated at Yale college in 1771, when he went
to reside with Colonel Phillipse, of Phillipse’s manor, in Westchester county, New
York, as tutor. He joined the continental army, and in 1 778 became one of General
Putnam’s aids, with the rank of major. In 1780 he entered the military family of Wash¬
ington, as aid to the chief, and remained in that position until the close of the war.
For his valor at Yorktown, Congress presented him with a sword. In 1784 he ac¬
companied Jefferson to Paris, as secretary of legation. In 1786 he was a member
of the Connecticut legislature, and at that time he was associated with Joel Barlow
in a literary enterprise. He was minister to Portugal in 1788. In 1790, he resided at
Mount Vernon by invitation of Washington, and there wrote his life of Putnam.
He was appointed minister to Spain in 1794. He returned to America with a
wealthy wife in 1801, and devoted the remainder of his life to agriculture. He died
suddenly in 1812.

t Lieutenant-Colonel William S. Smith, of New York, had been a very active

374

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Mount Vernon, engaged in arranging the vast mass of
papers and documents that had accnmnlated during the
War for Independence. Humphreys was a man of letters
and a poet, and, together with Colonel Smith, served in
the staff of the commander-in-chief on some of the most
important occasions of the Revolutionary war.

At a short distance from the mansion-house, in a
pleasant and sheltered situation, rose the homestead of
Bishop, the old body-servant. Thomas Bishop, horn in
England, attended General Braddock to the Continent
during the seven years’ war, and afterwards embarked
with that brave and unfortunate commander for America,
in 1775.

On the morning of the ninth of July, the day of the
memorable battle of the Monongahela, Bishop was pres¬
ent when Colonel Washington urged upon the English
general for the last time the propriety of permitting him
(the colonel) to advance with the Virginia woodsmen
and a band of friendly Indians, and open the way to Fort
Duquesne. Braddock treated the proposal with scorn ;
but, turning to his faithful follower, observed : “ Bishop,
this young man is determined to go into action to-day,
although he is really too much weakened by illness for
any such purpose. Have an eye to him, and render him
any assistance that may be necessary.” Bishop had only
time to reply, “Your honor’s orders shall be obeyed,”

young officer during the war. He was acting commissary-general of prisoners for a
while, and at the close of hostilities, he was an associate commissioner with Egbert
Benson and Daniel Parker, to inspect and superintend the embarkation of the per¬
sons and property of the loyalists, who left the city when it was evacuated by the
British army. He was at Mount Vernon for several months, assisting Colonel
Humphreys in the arduous task of arranging Washington’s military papers, and
until the close of his life, the chief regarded him with the warmth of true friendship.

LIFE AT MOUNT VERNON. 375

when the troops were in motion and the action soon after
commenced.*

Sixty-four British officers were killed or wounded, and
Washington was the only mounted officer on the field.
His horse being shot, Bishop was promptly at hand to
offer him a second ; and so exhausted was the youthful
hero from his previous illness and his great exertions in
the battle, that he was with difficulty extricated from his
dying charger, and was actually lifted by the strong
arms of Bishop into the saddle of the second horse.

It was at this period of the combat that, in the glimpses
of the smoke, the gallant colonel was seen bravely dash¬
ing amid the ranks of death, and calling on the colonial
woodsmen, who alone maintained the fight, “ Hold your
ground, my brave fellows, and draw your sights for the
honor of old Virginia !” It was at this period, too, of the
battle, that the famed Indian commander, pointing to
Washington, cried to his warriors : “ Fire at him no more;
see ye not that the Great Spirit protects that chief ; he
can not die in battle.”*)*

His second horse having fallen, the provincial colonel
made his way to the spot where the commanding-general,
though mortally stricken, raging like a wounded lion,
and yet breathing defiance to the foe, was supported in
the arms of Bishop. Braddock grasped the hand of
Washington, exclaiming, “Oh, my dear colonel, had I
been governed by your advice, we never should have
come to this !” When he found his last moments ap¬
proaching, the British general called his faithful and long-
tried follower and friend to his side, and said, “ Bishop,

* See page 158.
t See chapter xi., page 300.

376

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

you are getting too old for war • I advise you to remain
in America and go into the service of Colonel Washing¬
ton. Be but as faithful to him as you have been to me,
and rely upon it the remainder of your days will be
prosperous and happy.”*

Bishop took the advice of his old master, and at the
close of the campaign returned with the colonel to Mount
Vernon. As body-servant, Bishop attended Colonel
Washington at the time of his marriage, f and was in¬
stalled as chief of the stables and the equipage in Wil¬
liamsburg, in the bright and palmy days of that ancient
capital. Finally, the old body-servant settled on the
banks of the Potomac, married, and was made overseer
of one of the farms of the Mount Vernon estate.

At the commencement of the Revolutionary war
Bishop was considered as too old for active service, and
was left in charge of the home establishment, where the
veteran soldier’s rigid discipline and strict attention to
everything committed to his care caused affairs imme¬
diately relating to the mansion-house to be kept in first-
rate order. Upon the general’s return after the peace
of 1783, the ancient body-servant had passed fourscore,
had been relieved from all active service, and, having
lost his wife, he, with his daughter and only child, was
settled down in a comfortable homestead that had been
built expressly as an asylum for his age.

* Braddock was borne from the field, and carried away by his soldiers in their
flight toward Fort Cumberland. The battle was fought on the ninth of July, 1755,
and on the night of the fourteenth Braddock expired. At a little past midnight
Washington read the impressive funeral services of the Anglican church, over his
body, and it was buried in the road, so that the Indians might not discover and
desecrate his grave. The place of his burial may now be seen between the fifty-
third and fifty-fourth milestone, on the road from Cumberland, westward.

t See sketch of Martha Washington.

LIFE AT MOUNT VERNON.

377

Although very infirm, yet, when the bright skies and
balmy breath of spring renovated all nature, the veteran
soldier and faithful follower of two masters would grasp
his staff and wend his way to a spot by which he knew
the general would pass in taking his morning ride. As
Washington approached, the veteran, by aid of his staff,
would draw himself up to his full height, and with a right
soldierly air uncover. A few silver locks were scattered
about his temples, his visage was deeply furrowed by the
hand of time, while his bent and shrunken frame was
but the shadow of a form once so tall and manly. The
general would rein up his horse and kindly inquire,
“ How are you, old man ; I am glad to see you abroad ;
is there anything you want ?” The veteran would re¬
ply : “ Good morning to your honor ; I am proud and
happy to see your honor looking so brave and hearty.
I thank God I am as well as can be expected at my
years. What can I want while in your honor’s service ?
Whenever the choicest meats are killed for you honor’s
own table, the good lady will send to old Bishop a part.
God bless your honor, the madam, and all your good
family!” Washington would continue his morning ride,
while the old body-servant, made happy by the inter¬
view, grasped his staff and strode manfully away to his
comfortable home.

Of the two former aids-de-camp, now secretaries, in
their hours of relaxation from business, Humphreys was
in the habit of strolling to unfrequented places, there to
recite his verses to the echoes. Smith, too, would take
the air after the labors of the writing-desk.

One evening Colonel Smith in his rambles came sud¬
denly upon the homestead of the old body-servant, whose

378 RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

daughter was milking at a short distance from the house.
She was a slightly-built girl, and, in endeavoring to raise
the pail, found it too much for her strength. Colonel
Smith gallantly stepped forward, and offered his services,
saying, “ Do, miss, permit my strong arms to assist you.”
Now, the veteran’s daughter had often heard from her
father the most awful tales of those sad fellows, the
young, and particularly the handsome British officers,
and how their attentions to a maiden must inevitably re¬
sult in her ruin. Filled with these ideas, Miss Bishop did
not draw any line of distinction between British and
American officers, and Smith, being a peculiarly fine hand¬
some fellow, the milkmaid threw down her pail and ran
screaming to the house. The colonel followed, making
every possible apology, when suddenly he was brought
up all standing by the appearance of the veteran, who
stood, in all his terrors, at the door of his domicil. The
affrighted girl ran into her father’s arms, while the old
body-servant rated the colonel in no measured terms
upon the enormity of the attempt to insult his child.
Poor Smith, well bespattered by the contents of the milk-
pail, in vain endeavored to excuse himself to the enraged
veteran, who declared that he would carry the affair up
to his honor, aye, and to the madam, too. At the men¬
tion of the latter personage the unfortunate colonel felt
something like an ague-chill pass over his frame. Smith
in vain essayed to propitiate the old man by assuring
him that the affair was one of the most common gallant¬
ry ; that his object was to assist, and not to insult the
damsel. Bishop replied, “Ah! Colonel Smith, I know
what you dashing young officers are. I am an old soldier,
and have seen some things in my long day. I am sure

LIFE AT MOUNT VERNON.

379

his honor, after my services, will not permit my child to
be insulted ; and, as to the madam, why the madam as
good as brought up my girl.” So saying, the old body-
servant retired into his castle, and closed the door.

The unfortunate colonel wended his way to the man¬
sion-house, aware of the scrape he had got into, and pon¬
dering as to the mode by which he might be able to get
out of it. At length he bethought himself of Billy, the
celebrated servant of the commander-in-chief during the
whole of the War of the Be volution, and well known to
all the officers of the headquarters.

A council of war was held, and Billy expressed great
indignation that Bishop should attempt to carry a com¬
plaint against his friend, Colonel Smith, up to the general,
and that it was perfectly monstrous that such a tale
should reach the ears of the madam ; “ but,” continued
Billy, K that is a terrible old fellow, and he has been much
spoiled on account of his services to the general in Brad-
dock’s war. He even says that we of the Revolutionary
army are but half soldiers, compared with the soldiers
which he served with, in the outlandish countries.” Smith
observed, a it is bad enough, Billy, for this story to get to
the general’s ears, but to those of the lady will never do ;
and then there’s Humphreys, he will be out upon me in

a d - d long poem, that will spread my misfortunes

from Dan to Beersheba.” At length the colonel deter¬
mined, by the advice of his privy counsel, to despatch
Billy as a special ambassador, to endeavor to propitiate
the veteran, or, at any rate, to prevent his visit to the
mansion-house.

Meantime the old body-servant was not idle. He ran¬
sacked a large worm-eaten trunk, and brought forth a

380

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

coat that had not seen the light for many long yea^rs (it
was of the cut and fashion of the days of George II) ; then
a vest, and lastly a hat, Cumberland cocked, with a huge
ribbon cockade, that had seen service in the seven years’
war. His shoes underwent a polish, and were covered by
large silver buckles. All these accoutrements being care¬
fully dusted and brushed, the veteran flourished his staff
and took up his line of march for the mansion-house.

Billy met the old soldier in full march, and a parley
ensued. Billy harangued with great force upon the im¬
propriety of the veteran’s conduct in not receiving the
colonel’s apology ; “ for,” continued the ambassador, “ my
friend Colonel Smith is both an officer and a gentleman ;
and then, old man, you have no business to have such a
handsome daughter (a grim smile passing over the vet¬
eran’s countenance at this compliment to the beauty of
his child), for you know young fellows will be young
fellows.” He continued by saying, it was not to be
thought of that any such matter should reach the madam’s
ears, and concluded by recommending to the veteran to
drop the affair and return to his home.

The old body-servant, fully accoutred for his expedition,
had cooled off a little during his march. A soldierly re¬
spect for an officer of Colonel Smith’s rank and standing,
and a fear that he might carry the matter a little too far,
determined him to accept the colonel’s assurance that
there could be no harm where “ no harm was intended,”
came to the right-about and retraced his steps to his
home.

The ambassador returned to the anxious colonel, and
informed him that he had met the old fellow, en grand
costume , and in full march for the mansion-house, but

LIFE AT MOUNT VERNON.

381

that by a powerful display of eloquence he had brought
him to a halt, and induced him to listen to reason, and
drop the affair altogether. The ready guinea was quickly
in the ambassador’s pouch, while the gallant colonel,
happy in his escape from what might have resulted in a
very unpleasant affair, was careful to give the homestead
of the old body-servant a good wide berth in all future
rambles.

The pleasurable routine of Washington’s life, in his
retirement, was a little varied by his call to the conven¬
tion of 1787;* but in 1788, when the constitution became
ratified by the states, f letters, addresses, and memorials

* Before the close of the Revolution, many sagacious minds perceived the utter
incompetency of the federal government, under the provisions of the Articles of Con¬
federation, to perform the proper functions of supreme power. The doctrine of
state rights was strongly impressed upon the minds of the people, and there was a
growing jealousy of the assumptions of Congress, even when that body exercised its
legitimate functions. To the appreciation of true statesmen such as Washington,
Hamilton, Madison, Jay, and others, there appeared a necessity for a greater cen¬
tralization of power, for to a great extent the people had lost all regard for the au¬
thority of Congress. The commercial and monetary affairs of the country were
wretchedly deranged, and many felt serious apprehensions of a total failure of the
republican scheme. Hamilton, at an early period, suggested a convention of
states to consider and correct the errors of the federal system as it then existed ; and
finally, at the suggestion of Washington, a convention was called for the purpose,
at Annapolis, in Maryland. The delegates assembled in September, 1786. Only
five states were represented. These recommended the holding of another conven-
5 tion in May following. At that time delegates from all the states, except New
Hampshire and Rhode Island, appeared. Washington was a delegate from Virginia,
and was chosen to preside. Able statesmen were his associates ; and on the twelfth
of September, 1787, the present Constitution of the United States (except a few
subsequent amendments) was adopted.

t The federal Constitution was submitted to the people for their approval or re¬
jection. It found many able opposers. State rights, sectional interests, radical de¬
mocracy, had all numerous friends, and these stood firmly in the opposition. Among
its ablest supporters with pen and tongue, was Alexander Hamilton, who gave to
the world most able papers on government, to which were added some by Madison
and Jay. These, in collected form, bear the title of The Federalist. Yery soon
eleven of the thirteen states ratified the Constitution. The Congress then fixed the
time for the new government to go into operation.

382

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

from his compatriots and old companions-in-arms poured
in from all parts of the country, all praying him who had
been “ first in war” to become “ first in peace” as the
chief magistrate of the new government. These testi¬
monials of affection made deep impression upon the re¬
tired general, as they showed him that he stood “ first
in the hearts of his countrymen.”

In April, 1789, the doors of Mount Yernon opened to
receive, and Washington hastened to embrace, the ven¬
erable Charles Thomson, the secretary to the continental
Congress during fifteen consecutive years. He came
charged with the important duty of announcing to the
retired general his unanimous election to the office of
president of the United States. The tall attenuated form,
the simple yet dignified manners of Secretary Thom¬
son, made him a most favored guest at a board where
had been welcomed many of the wise, the good, the
brave, and renowned.*

* On the sixth of April, 1789, John Langdon, president of the United States
senate, pro tempore, wrote an official letter to Washington, informing him that he
had been chosen first president of the United States, with John Adams as vice-pres¬
ident; and Charles Thomson, the secretary of the continental Congress, imme¬
diately proceeded to Mount Vernon to bear to the new officer the official announce¬
ment of his election. The president made immediate preparations for his journey
to the seat of government, then at New York. He left Mount Vernon on the six¬
teenth, arrived at New York on the twenty-third, and there, on the thirtieth of the
month, in the presence of a vast concourse of people, he took the solemn oath of
office. The old continental Congress had expired on the fourth of March previously,
and the federal Constitution had become the organic law of the republic.

Mr. Secretary Thomson was a native of Ireland, where he was born in 1730. He
settled as a teacher in Philadelphia, and was honored with the friendship of Dr.
Franklin. When the continental Congress convened in that city, in 1774, he had
just married a young woman of fortune. He was chosen the secretary of that body,
and held the office fifteen consecutive years. He died at Lower Merion, Mont¬
gomery country, Pennsylvania, on the sixteenth of August, 1824, at the age of
ninety-four years.

LILE AT MOUNT VERNON.

383

The unanimous election of Washington to the chief
magistracy of a new empire by a people who had hun¬
gered for an opportunity of elevating the man of their
hearts to the highest gift in their power to bestow, called
forth from the chief acknowledgments of profound grati¬
tude. When he departed for the seat of the federal
government, he turned a last fond lingering look
upon his retired home, where he had passed so many
peaceful and happy days ; upon his extensive circle of
friends, to whom he was attached by many and most
endearing associations ; upon his improvements, which
he had so much delighted to rear, and which had grown
up to useful and ornamental maturity under his fostering
hand ; he bade adieu to them all, and hastened to obey
the call of his country.

384

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XIX.

WASHINGTON AS A SPORTSMAN.

Washington Fond of the Chase — He was not a mere Shooter and Fisherman —
Situation and Character of his Kennel — Selection of iiis Dogs — His Sporting
Friends — His Costume when engaged in TnE Chase — Present of Hounds from La¬
fayette — Their Savage Nature — Washington on Horseback — His Favorite Horse
for the Chase — His Daring — The Famous Black Fox — Its supposed Infernal Re¬
lationship — Robbery by one of the French Dogs — Washington’s Last Hunt — He
Gives away his Dogs — Deer Park — Dispersion of the Deer — Poachers — Consent
to Hunt — Author of these Recollections on a Hunt for a Buck — His Success —
The Venison Dinner at Mount Vernon — Antlers of the Washington Stag.

The time which Colonel Washington conld spare from
his building and agricultural improvements between the
years 1759 and 1774, was considerably devoted to the
pleasures of the chase. We have neither knowledge nor
tradition of his having ever been a shooter or a fisher¬
man : fox-hunting being of a bold and animating charac¬
ter, suited well with the temperament of the “ lusty
prime” of his age, and peculiarly well accorded with his
fondness and predisposition for equestrian exercises.

His kennel was situated about a hundred yards south
of the family vault in which at present repose his vener¬
ated remains.* The building was a rude structure, but
afforded comfortable quarters for the hounds; with a

* This was first published in The American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine,
on the twenty-ninth of September, 1829. At that time the remains of Washington
were in the old vault, upon the summit of the river bank, a few rods from the lawn
and about half way between the mansion and the tomb wherein they now repose
These remains were re-entombed in the autumn of 1837.

WASHINGTON AS A SPORTSMAN.

385

large enclosure paled in, having in the midst a spring of
running water. The pack was very numerous and select,
the colonel visiting and inspecting his kennel morning
and evening, after the same manner as he did his stables*
It was his pride (and a proof of his skill in hunting) to
have his pack so critically drafted, as to speed and bottom,
that in running, if one leading dog should lose the scent,
another was at hand immediately to recover it, and thus
when in full cry, to use a racing phrase, you might cover
the pack with a blanket.

During the season, Mount Vernon had many sporting
guests from the neighborhood, from Maryland, and else¬
where. Their visits were not of days, but weeks • and
they were entertained in the good old style of Virginia’s
ancient hospitality. W ashington, always superbly mount¬
ed, in true sporting costume, of blue coat, scarlet waist¬
coat, buckskin breeches, top boots, velvet cap, and whip
with long thong, took the field at daybreak, with his
huntsman, Will Lee, his friends and neighbors ; and none
rode more gallantly in the chase, nor with voice more
cheerily awakened echo in the woodland, than he who
was afterwards destined, by voice and example, to cheer
his countrymen in their glorious struggle for indepen¬
dence and empire. Such was the hunting establishment
at Mount Vernon prior to the Revolution.

We come now to events of our own times. After the

* Washington kept a register of his horses and his hounds, in which might be
found the names, ages, and marks of each ; and with these, his companions of the
chase, he was as punctual in his attentions as to any other business of his life.
Among the names of his horses were those of Chinkling, Valiant, Ajax, Magnolia,
Blueskin, et cetera. Magnolia was a full-blooded Arabian, and was used for the
saddle upon the road. Among the names of his hounds were Vulcan, Ringwood,
Singer, Truelove, Music, Sweetlips, Forrester, Rockwood, et cetera.

386

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

peace of 1783, the hunting establishment, which had
gone down during the war, was renewed by the arrival
of a pack of French hounds, sent out by the Marquis de
Lafayette. These chiens de c/iasse were of great size —

“ Bred out of the Spartan kind, so flewed, so sanded,

With ears that swept away the morning dew, dewlan’d
Like the Salonian bulls, matched in mouth like bells,, —

the bells of Moscow, and great Tom of Lincoln, we should
say, and, from their strength, were fitted, not only to pull
down the stately stag, but in combat to encounter the
wolf or boar, or even to grapple with the lordly lion.
These hounds, from their fierce dispositions, were gen¬
erally kept confined, and wo to the stranger who might
be passing their kennel after night-fall, should the gates
be unclosed. His fate would be melancholy, unless he
could climb some friendly tree, or the voice or the whip
of the huntsman came “ speedily to the rescue.’’ The
huntsman always presided at their meals, and it was only
by the liberal application of the whip-thong that any¬
thing like order could be preserved among these savages
of the chase.

The habit was to hunt three times a week, weather
permitting ; breakfast was served, on these mornings, at
candle-light, the general always breaking his fast with
an Indian-corn cake and a bowl of milk ; and, ere the
cock had “ done salutation to the morn,” the whole caval¬
cade would often have left the house, and the fox be fre¬
quently unkennelled before sunrise. Those who have
seen Washington on horseback will admit that he was one
of the most accomplished of cavaliers in the true sense
and perfection of the character. He rode, as he did
everything else, with ease, elegance, and with power.

WASHINGTON AS A SPORTSMAN.

387

The vicious propensities of horses were of no moment to
this skilful and daring rider ! He always said that he
required hut one good quality in a horse, to go along , and
ridiculed the idea of its being even possible that he
should be unhorsed, provided the animal kept on his legs.
Indeed the perfect and sinewy frame of the admirable
man gave him such a surpassing grip with his knees,
that a horse might as soon disencumber itself of the sad¬
dle as of such a rider.

The general usually rode in the chase a horse called
BluesJcin , of a dark iron-gray color, approaching to blue.
This was a fine but fiery animal, and of great endurance
in a long run. Will, the huntsman, better known in Rev¬
olutionary lore as Billy, rode a horse called ChinJding , a
surprising leaper, and made very much like its rider, low,
but sturdy, and of great bone and muscle. Will had but
one order, which was to keep with the hounds ; and,
mounted on ChinJding , a French horn at his back, throw¬
ing himself almost at length on the animal, with his spur
in flank, this fearless horseman would rush, at full speed,
through brake or tangled wood, in a style at which
modern huntsmen would stand aghast. There were
roads cut through the woods in various directions, by
which aged and timid hunters and ladies could enjoy the
exhilirating cry, without risk of life or limb; but Wash¬
ington rode gaily up to his dogs, through all the difficul¬
ties and dangers of the ground on which he hunted, nor
spared his generous steed, as the distended nostrils of
BluesJcin often would show. He was always in at the
death, and yielded to no man the honor of the brush.

The foxes hunted fifty years ago were gray foxes, with
one exception ; this was a famous black fox, which, dif-

888

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

fering from his brethren of “ orders gray,” would flourish
his brush., set his pursuers at defiance, and go from ten
to twenty miles an end, distancing both dogs and
men • and what was truly remarkable, would return to
his place of starting on the same night, so as always to
be found there the ensuing morning. After seven or
eight severe runs, without success, Billy recommended
that the black reynard should be let alone, giving it as
his opinion, that he was very near akin to another sable
character, inhabiting a lower region, and as remarkable
for his wiles. The advice was adopted from necessity,
and ever thereafter, in throwing off the hounds, care was
taken to avoid the haunt of the unconquerable black
fox *

The chase ended, the party would return to the man¬
sion-house, where, at the wTell-spread board, and with
cheerful glass, the feats of the leading dog, the most gal¬
lant horse, or the boldest rider, together with the prowess
of the famed black fox, were all discussed, while Wash¬
ington, never permitting even his pleasures to infringe
upon the order and regularity of his habits, would, after
a few glasses of Madeira, retire to his bed supperless at
nine o’clock. He always took a little tea and toast be¬
tween six and seven in the evening.

Of the French hounds, there was one named Vulcan, ,
and we bear him the better in reminiscence, from having
often bestrid his ample back in the days of our juvenility.
It happened that upon a large company sitting down to

* The red fox is supposed to have been imported from England, to the eastern
shore of Maryland, by a Mr. Smith, and to have emigrated across the ice to Vir¬
ginia, in the hard winter of 1779-80, when the Chesapeake was frozen over. — Note
by the Author.

WASHINGTON AS A SPORTSMAN.

389

dinner at Mount V ernon one day, the lady of the mansion
(my grandmother) discovered that the ham, the pride of
every Virginia housewife’s table, was missing from its
accustomed post of honor. Upon questioning Frank, the
butler, this portly, and at the same time the most polite
and accomplished of all butlers, observed that a ham, yes,
a very fine ham, had been prepared, agreeably to the
Madam’s orders, but lo and behold ! who should come into
the kitchen, while the savory ham was smoking in its
dish, but old Vulcan , the hound, and without more ado
fastened his fangs into it ; and although they of the
kitchen had stood to such arms as they could get, and
had fought the old spoiler desperately, yet Vulcan had
finally triumphed,, and bore off the prize, ay, a cleanly,
under the keeper’s nose.” The lady by no means relished
the loss of a dish which formed the pride of her table,
and uttered some remarks by no means favorable to old
Vulcan , or indeed to dogs in general, while the chief,
having heard the story, communicated it to his guests,
and, with them, laughed heartily at the exploit of the
stag-hound.

Washington’s last hunt with his hounds, was in 1785.
His private affairs and public business required too much
of his time to allow him to indulge in field sports. His
fondness for agricultural improvements, and the number
of visiters that crowded Mount Vernon, induced him to
break up his kennels, to give away his hounds, and to
bid a final adieu to the pleasures of the chase. He then
formed a deer-park below the mansion-house, extending
to the river, and enclosing by a high paling about a hun¬
dred acres of land. The park was at first stocked with
only the native deer, to which was afterwards added the

890

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

English fallow deer, from the park of Governor Ogle, of
Maryland.*

The stock of deer increased very rapidly, yet, strange
to say, although herding together, there never was per¬
ceptible the slightest admixture of the two races.

On the decay of the park paling, and the dispersion
of the deer over the estate, as many as fifteen or twenty
were often to be seen in a herd.

The general was extremely tenacious of his game, and
would suffer none to be killed, till, being convinced that
the poachers were abroad, that the larder of an extensive
hotel in a neighboring town was abundantly supplied
with plump haunches from the Mount Yernon stock, and
indeed that every one seemed to be enjoying his venison
but himself, he at length consented that “ a stag should
die.”

One morning I was summoned to receive his orders for
hunting. They were given as follows : “ Recollect, sir,
that you are to fire with ball, to use no hounds , and on no
account to kill any but an old buck.” Charmed with a
permission so long coveted, and at last obtained, we pre¬
pared for the field. Determined to make a sure shot, we
discarded the rifle in favor of an old British musket, of the
fashion and time of George II. — a heavy, black, ill-favored
looking piece, but capable of carrying two balls, each of
an ounce weight, and famed for hitting hard behind as well
as before. Thus equipped, and with a goodly array of
drivers, and dogs of various sorts, we repaired to the
haunt of a celebrated old buck, considered as the patriarch
of the herd.

* Samuel Ogle was governor of Maryland at three different times, namely, in
1732, 1737, and 1747.

WASHINGTON AS A SPORTSMAN.

391

“Bousing him up from his lair/’ the woods echoed
with the shouts of the huntsmen and the cries of the
dogs, while the noble buck, crashing through the under¬
growth, seemed to bid defiance to his pursuers. The loud
report of the musket was now added to the uproar in the
wood, and, it being evident from hunter’s signs that the
game was hit, it only remained to mount and pursue.

The “ stricken deer” always seeks the water as a refuge
from the dogs : in this instance, a melee of hunters, horses,
dogs, and deer rushed into the waters of the Potomac at
the same time, the huntsmen laying lustily about them to
prevent the dogs from breaking up the wounded stag,
that, after a gallant struggle, yielded up his life, and was
carried in triumph to the mansion-house, there to await
the master’s inspection.

Punctual as the hand of the clock, at a quarter to three
the general arrived from his morning ride. Upon his
dismounting, we announced that a fine buck had been
shot. “Ah, well ! ” he replied, “ let ’s see,” and strode along
to the Locust grove, to which we led the way — ay, and
manly was that stride, although he was then in the sixty-
eighth year of his age. He examined the deer, that had
been triced up to a tree, and observing the frosted front of
the antlered monarch of the herd, he became convinced
that his orders had been obeyed to the very letter; he gave
a nod of approbation, and retired to his room to dress, as
was his custom, before the second bell for dinner.

The carcass of the Washington Stag, after being
trimmed according to hunter’s fashion — that is, the
neck, hocks, and offal parts removed — weighed one
hundred and forty-six pounds.

The next day, several guests having assembled, the

392

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

haunch was served up in the family dining-room at Mount
Vernon; and of the venison it may of a truth be said
that —

“ Finer or fatter

Was ne’er carved at a board, or smoked on a platter.”

We have killed many a brave deer since the days of
1799, but none have left an impression on the memory
or the heart like that of the Washington Stag, that was
killed by Washington’s special order, that was served at
his board, and on which he fed in the last, the very last
year of his glorious life.*

* The antlers of this famous buck may still be seen at Arlington House, where
they grace the great hall, and are labelled, in the handwriting of the sportsman who
killed the owner, “The Washington Stag.”

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

393

CHAPTER XX.

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

4NAUGURATION OF WASHINGTON — HlS PLACE OF RESIDENCE IN Hew YOKK — HlS FAMILY —

TnE Guests at the President’s House — His Levees — Mrs. Washington’s Drawing-
Rooms — An Accident — Washington an Early Riser — His Stables in Hew York and
Philadelphia — The Theatre in Hew York — Severe Illness of the President — His
Recovery — His Eastern Tour — Washington’s Private Secretaries — Anecdote of
Humphreys — The President changes iiis Residence — Departure from Hew York —
Attempt to Leave Privately — A Public Demonstration — Progress to Philadelphia
— Revolutionary Yeterans — The President’s Reception in Philadelphia — He Visits
Mount Vernon.

On the 30th of April, 1789, the Constitutional Govern¬
ment of the United States began, by the inauguration of
George Washington as President of the United States, in
the city of New York.*

* The president, as we have observed in a note on page 382, left his home for
New York on the sixteenth, and was everywhere received on his journey with the
greatest demonstrations of affection. At Trenton, where he entered New Jersey, his
reception was peculiar and gratifying. It was arranged entirely by the ladies, in
which, as has been already observed, Mrs. Stockton, the widow of one of the signers
of the Declaration of Independence, participated. Upon Trenton bridge they caused
to be erected an arch, which they adorned with laurel leaves and flowers from the
forests and their hot-houses, and the first spring contributions from their gardens.
Upon the crown of the arch, in large letters, formed of leaves and flowers, were the
words “ December 26th, 1776;” and on the sweep beneath was the sentence, also
formed of flowers, “ The Defender of the Mothers will be the Protector of the
Daughters.” Beneath this arch the president elect was obliged to pass on entering
Trenton. There he was met by a troop of females. On one side a row of little
girls dressed in white, and each bearing a basket of flowers, were arranged ; on the
other side stood a row of young ladies similarly arrayed, and behind them were the
married ladies. The moment Washington and his suite approached the arch, the
little girls began to strew flowers in the road, and the whole company of the fair sang
the following ode, written for the occasion by Governor Howell : —

394

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

In the then limited extent and improvement of the
city, there was some difficulty in selecting a mansion for
the residence of the chief magistrate, and a household
suitable to his rank and station. Osgood’s house, a man¬
sion of very moderate extent, was at length fixed upon,
situated in Cherry street.* There the president became
domiciled. His domestic family consisted of Mrs. Wash¬
ington, the two adopted children,*)* Mr. Lear,J as principal
secretary, Colonel Humphreys, § with Messrs. Lewis and
Nelson, || secretaries, and Major William Jackson aid-de-
camp.^f

“ Welcome,, mighty chief, once more
Welcome to this grateful shore.

Now no mercenary foe
Aims again the fatal blow —

Aims at Thee the fatal blow.

“ Virgins fair and matrons grave,

Those thy conquering arm did save,

Build for Thee triumphal bowers.

Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers —

Strew your Hero’s way with flowers !”

Washington arrived in New York on the twenty-third of April, and took the oath
of office, administered to him on the balcony of the old Federal Hall, in Wall street,
by Robert R. Livingston, then chancellor of the state.

* This was No. 10 Cherry street, a few doors from Franklin square. When,
afterward, the houses upon Franklin square, constituting a point at the junction of
Pearl and Cherry streets, were removed, the former southern side of the mansion
fronted on the square, and so remained until its demolition, in 1856. Views of this
house, as it appeared just before its destruction, to make way for finer buildings,
may be seen in Valentine’s Manual of the Common Council of New York, 1857.

t Eleanor Parke and George Washington Parke Custis. Mr. Custis (the author
of these Recollections) was then eight years of age.

J: Tobias Lear, who was a member of Washington’s family at the time of that
great man’s death.

§ .Colonel David Humphreys, a sketch of whom is given elsewhere.

|| The former was a nephew of Washington, and the latter was a son of Governor
Nelson, of Virginia.

TF Major Jackson was a great favorite in Washington’s family. He and Mr. Lear
always walked out with the president; and he accompanied Washington in his
eastern and southern tours, made during his presidency. His wife, a daughter of

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

395

Persons visiting the house in Cherry street at this time
of day, will wonder how a building so small could contain
the many and mighty spirits that thronged its halls in
olden days.* Congress, cabinet, all public functionaries
in the commencement of the government, were selected
from the very elite of the nation. Pure patriotism, com¬
manding talent, eminent services, wTere the proud and
indispensable requisites for official station in the first days
of the republic. The first Congress was a most enlight¬
ened and dignified body. In the senate were several of
the members of the Congress of 1776, and signers of the
Declaration of Independence — Richard Henry Lee, who
moved the Declaration, John Adams, who seconded it,
with Sherman, Morris, Carroll, etc.f

The levees of the first president were attended by
these illustrious men, and by many others of the patriots,
statesmen, and soldiers, who could say of the Revolution,
“ magna pars fui” while numbers of foreigners and stran¬
gers of distinction crowded to the seat of the general
government, all anxious to witness the grand experiment
that was to determine how much rational liberty man¬
kind is capable of enjoying, without that liberty degen¬
erating into licentiousness.

Mrs. Washington’s drawing-rooms, on Friday nights,

Thomas Willing, of Philadelphia, survived him a great many years, and died recent¬
ly, at the age of ninety-three years.

* This was first published in the National Intelligencer, on the twenty-third of
February, 1847.

t Roger Sherman, of Connecticut, Robert Morris of Pennsylvania, and Charles
Carroll, of Maryland were all signers of the Declaration of Independence, and were
members of Congress during Washington’s first administration. Carroll was the
last survivor of the glorious band of fifty-six who signed that great manifesto. He
died in 1832, in the ninety-sixth year of his age.

396

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

were attended by the grace and beauty of New York *
On one of these occasions an incident occurred which
might have been attended by serious consequences.
Owing to the lowness of the ceiling in the drawing-room,
the ostrich feathers in the head-dress of Miss Mclvers, a
belle of New York, took fire from the chandelier, to the
no small alarm of the company.-)* Major Jackson, aid-de-
camp to the president, with great presence of mind, and
equal gallantry, flew to the rescue of the lady, and, by
clapping the burning plumes between his hands, extin¬
guished the flame, and the drawing-room went on as
usual.

Washington preserved the habit, as well in public as
in private life, of rising at four o’clock, and retiring to
bed at nine. On Saturdays he rested somewhat from his
labors, by either riding into the country, attended by a
groom, or with his family in his coach drawn by six
horses.

Fond of horses, the stables of the president were
always in the finest order, and his equipage excellent,
both in taste and quality. Indeed, so long ago as the
days of the vice-regal court of Lord Botetourt at Wil¬
liamsburg, in Virginia, we find that there existed a
rivalry between the equipages of Colonel Byrd, a mag-

* Washington’s levees were held on Tuesday, and Mrs. Washington’s drawing¬
rooms on Friday evenings. In his diary, in the autumn of 1789 and the winter of
1790, Washington often makes a simple record, thus, on Fridays — “The visiters
this evening to Mrs. Washington were respectable, both of gentlemen and ladies.”
“ The visiters to Mrs. Washington this afternoon were not numerous, but respect¬
able.” — “ In the evening, a great number of ladies and many gentlemen visited Mrs.
Washington.”

t This was Miss Mary MTvers, who was married at about that time, to the late
Edward Livingston, author of the Louisiana code, and American minister at the
French court.

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

397

nate of the old regime * and Colonel Washington, the
grays against the bays. Bishop, the celebrated body-
servant of Braddock, was the master of Washington’s
stables. And there were what was termed muslin horses
in those old days. At cock-crow the stable-boys were at
work ; at sunrise Bishop stalked into the stables, a mus¬
lin handkerchief in his hand, which he applied to the
coats of the animals, and, if the slightest stain was per¬
ceptible upon the muslin, up went the luckless wights
of the stable-boys, and punishment was administered in-
stanter ; for to the veteran Bishop, bred amid the iron
discipline of European armies, mercy for anything like
a breach of duty was altogether out of the question.

The president’s stables in Philadelphia were under the
direction of German John, and the grooming of the
white chargers will rather surprise the moderns. The
night before the horses were expected to be ridden they
were covered entirely over with a paste, of which whiting
was the principal component part; then the animals
were swathed in body-cloths, and left to sleep upon clean
straw. In the morning the composition had become
hard, was well rubbed in, and curried and brushed, which
process gave to the coats a beautiful, glossy, and satin¬
like appearance. The hoofs were then blacked and
polished, the mouths washed, teeth picked and cleaned ;
and, the leopard-skin housings being properly adjusted,
the white chargers were led out for service. Such was
the grooming of ancient times. f

* Colonel Byrd, of Westover, son of Colonel William Byrd, some of whose let¬
ters are printed in the Memoir of Mr. Cnstis, in another part of this volume.

t Washington’s stables in Philadelphia, were upon a narrow lane, now called
Miner street, below Sixth. There he had ten fine bays and two white chargers.
Samuel Breck, Esq., now [July, 1859,] eighty-eight years of age, informed me a

398

KECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

It was while residing in Cherry street that the presi¬
dent was attacked by a severe illness, that required
a surgical operation. He was attended by the elder
and younger Drs. Bard. The elder being somewhat
doubtful of his nerves, gave the knife to his son, bidding
him “cut away— deeper, deeper still; don’t be afraid;
you see how well he bears it.” Great anxiety was felt
in New York at this time, as the president’s case was
considered extremely dangerous. Happily, the operation
proved successful, and the patient’s recovery removed all
cause of alarm. During the illness a chain was stretched
across the street, and the sidewalks were laid with straw.*
Soon after his recovery, the president set out on his in¬
tended tour through the New England states.’)*

few weeks since, that when a young man, he often visited those stables, with his
friends from other places, to show them Washington’s horses. These constituted
one of the most attractive “ lions” of Philadelphia. He had frequently seen Wash¬
ington and his family riding in his beautiful cream-colored English coach, with six
of these shining bay horses before it.

* His disease was a malignant carbuncle, which, at one time, seemed to be incura¬
ble, as mortification was continually threatened. He was attended night and day
by Doctor Samuel Bard, one of the most enlightened and skilful physicians and
surgeons of that day. The painful tumor was upon his thigh, and was brought on
by the excitements and labors which he had undergone since his inauguration. On
the third of July he wrote to his friend, James M'Henry, of Baltimore, informing
him that the tumor was likely to prove beneficial to his general health, and that
then he was able to exercise in his coach. To Mr. M ‘Henry’s suggestion that Dr.
Craik should be sent for, Washington replied, that it would gratify him much to
have his old friend with him, but, since he could not enjoy that benefit, he thought
himself “fortunate in having fallen into such good hands,” as Dr. Bard’s. Doctor
M‘Vickar, in his life of Bard, alluding to this illness of the president, relates that,
on one occasion, being left alone with him, the sufferer, looking the physician stead¬
ily in the face, desired his candid opinion as to the probable termination of his
disease, adding, with perfect composure — “Do not flatter me with vain hopes ; 1
am not afraid to die, and therefore can bear the worst.” Dr. Bard expressed a
hope, but acknowledged his apprehensions. Washington replied, with the same
coolness, “ Whether to-night or twenty years hence, makes no difference ; I know
that I am in the hands of a good Providence.”

t This tour was commenced on Thursday, the fifteenth of October, 1789, and oc-

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

399

The president’s mansion was so limited in accommo¬
dation that three of the secretaries were compelled to
occupy one room — Humphreys, Lewis, and Nelson.
Humphreys, aid-de-camp to the commander-in-chief at
Yorktown, was a most estimable man, and at the same
time a poet. About this period he was composing his
“ Widow of Malabar.”* Lewis and Nelson, both young
men, were content, after the labors of the day, to enjoy
a good night’s repose. But this was often denied them ;
for Humphreys, when in the vein, would rise from his
bed at any hour, and, with stentorian voice, recite his
verses. The young men, roused from their slumbers,
and rubbing their eyes, beheld a great burly figure, “ en
chemise ,” striding across the floor, reciting with great em¬
phasis particular passages from his poem, and calling on
his room-mates for their approbation. Having in this
way for a considerable time u murdered the sleep” of his
associates, Humphreys at length, wearied by his exer¬
tions, would sink upon his pillow in a kind of dreamy
languor. So sadly were the young secretaries annoyed
by the frequent outbursts of the poet’s imagination, that
it was remarked of them by their friends that, from 1789,
to the end of their lives, neither Bobert Lewis nor
Thomas Nelson were ever known to evince the slightest
taste for poetry.

cupied nearly a month. Major Jackson, Mr. Lear, and six servants composed his
retinue. Chief Justice Jay, and Generals Hamilton and Knox, accompanied them
some distance out of the city. He returned on the thirteenth of November. In his
diary of that date he says — “Between two and three o’clock arrived at my house
at New York, where I found Mrs. Washington and the rest of the family all well —
and it being Mrs. Washington’s night to receive visits, a pretty large company of
ladies and gentlemen were present.”

* The Widow of Malabar , or the Tyranny of Custom , is a tragedy, translated from
the French of M. Le Mierre. It was brought out in Philadelphia, in May, 1790, by
the old American company, in which Hallam, Wignell, Harper, Biddle, Martin,

400

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The mansion in Cherry street proving so very incon¬
venient, induced the French ambassador to give up his
establishment — McComb’s new house in Broadway —
for the accommodation of the president.* It was from
this house in 1790 that Washington took his final de¬
parture from New York.f It was always his habit to
endeavor, as much as possible, to avoid the manifestar
tions of affection and gratitude that met him every¬
where. He strove in vain ; he was closely watched, and
the people would have their way. He wished to have
slipped off unobserved from New York, and thus steal a
march upon his old companions-in-arms. But there were
too many of the dear glorious old veterans of the Revo¬
lution at that time of day in and near New York to
render such an escape even possible.

The baggage had all been packed up ; the horses, car¬
riages, and servants ordered to be over the ferry to
Paulus’s Hook, by daybreak, and nothing was wanting

Henry, Mrs. Henry, and Miss Tuke, were the performers. The prologue was
written by John Trumbull, the author of M‘Fingall , and was spoken by Mr. Hal-
lam. The epilogue was written by Mr. Humphreys, and was spoken by Mrs.
Henry.

* Washington, in his diary, under date of February first, 1790, says: “Agreed
on Saturday last to take Mr. M'Combs’s house, lately occupied by the minister of
France, for one year from and after the first day of May next. . . This day sent my
secretary to examine the rooms to see how my furniture could be adapted to the
respective apartments.” On Wednesday, the third, he records — “ Visited the apart¬
ments in the house of Mr. M'Combs; made a disposition of the rooms ; fixed on
some furniture of the minister’s (which was to be sold, and was well adapted to par¬
ticular public rooms), and directed additional stables to be built.” On the twent}*-
second he records — “ Set seriously about removing my furniture to my new house.
Two of the gentlemen of the family had their beds taken there, and will sleep
there to-night.” This house was on Broadway, west side, a little below Trinity
church. It was subsequently occupied as a hotel, and was called the Mansion-
House , from the fact that it had been the presidential mansion.

t The seat of government was removed to Philadelphia that year, and Congress
assembled in that city, on the first Monday of December following.

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

401

for departure but the dawn. The lights were yet burn¬
ing, when the president came into the room where his
family were assembled, evidently much pleased in the
belief that all was right, when, immediately under the
windows, the band of the artillery struck up Washing¬
ton’s March. “ There !” he exclaimed, Ci it’s all over ; we
are found out. Well, well, they must have their own
way.” New York soon after appeared as if taken by
storm ; troops and persons of all descriptions hurrying
down Broadway toward the place of embarcation, all
anxious to take a last look on him whom so many could
never expect to see again.

The embarcation was delayed until all the complimen¬
tary arrangements were completed. The president, after
taking leave of many dear and cherished friends, and
many an old companion-in-arms, stepped into the barge
that was to convey him from New York for ever. The
coxswain gave the word a let fall the spray from the
oars sparkled in the morning sunbeams ; the bowman
shoved off from the pier, and, as the barge swung round
to the tide, Washington, rose, uncovered, in the stern, to
bid adieu to the masses assembled on the shore ; he
waved his hat, and, in a voice tremulous from emotion,
pronounced farewell. It may be supposed that Major
Bauman,* who commanded the artillery on this interest¬
ing occasion, who was first captain of Lamb’s regiment,
and a favorite officer of the War of the Revolution, would,
when about to pay his last respects to his beloved com¬
mander, load his pieces with something more than mere

* Major Sebastian Bauman was a meritorious artillery officer during the war. He
was at West Point at the time of Arnold’s treason ; was at the siege of Yorktown,
and was postmaster at New York thirteen consecutive years, commencing in 1790,
when Washington appointed him.

402

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

blank cartridges. But ah ! the thunders of the cannon
were completely hushed when the mighty shout of the
people arose that responded to the farewell of Washing¬
ton. Pure from the heart it came • right up to Heaven
it went, to call down a blessing upon the Father of his
Country.

The barge had scarcely gained the middle of the Hud¬
son when trumpets were heard at Paulus’s Hook,* where
the governor}* and the chivalry of Jersey were in waiting
to welcome the chief to those well-remembered shores.
Escorts of cavalry relieved each other throughout the
whole route, up to the Pennsylvania line ; every village,
and even hamlet, turned out its population to greet with
cordial welcome the man upon whom all eyes were fixed,
and in whom all hearts rejoiced.

What must have been the recollections that crowded
on the mind of Washington during this triumphant pro¬
gress ? Newark, Brunswick, Princeton, Trenton ! What
a contrast between the glorious burst of sunshine that
now illumined and made glad everything around these
memorable spots, with the gloomy and desolate remem¬
brances of ’76 ! Then his country’s champion, with the
wreck of a shattered host, was flying before a victorious
and well-appointed foe, while all around him was shroud¬
ed in the darkness of despair ; now , in his glorious prog¬
ress over the self-same route, his firm footstep presses
upon the soil of an infant empire, reposing in the joys
of peace, independence, and happiness.

Among the many who swelled his triumph, the most
endeared to the heart of the chief were the old associates

* Now Jersey City, opposite New York,
t Governor Richard Howell, of New Jersey.

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

403

of his toils, his fortunes, and his fame. Many of the
Revolutionary veterans were living in 1790, and, by
their presence, gave a dignified tone and character to all
public assemblages ; and when you saw a peculiarly fine-
looking soldier in those old days, and would ask, “ to
what corps of the American army did you belong?”
drawing himself up to his full height, with a martial air,
and back of the hand thrown up to his forehead, the vet¬
eran would reply, “ Life-Guard, your honor.”*

And proud and happy were these veterans in again
beholding their own good Lady Washington, Greatly was
she beloved in the army. Her many intercessions with
the chief for the pardon of offenders, and her kind¬
ness to the sick and wounded, caused her annual arrival
in camp to be hailed as an event that would serve to dis¬
sipate the gloom of the winter-quarters.

Arrived at the line, the J ersey escort was relieved by
the cavalry of Pennsylvania ; and when near to Philadel¬
phia, the president was met by Governor Mifflinf and a
brilliant cortege of officers, and escorted by a squadron

* See chapter vii.

t Thomas Mifflin was born in Philadelphia, of Quaker parents, in the year 1774.
He was trained in all the strictness of the sect. He prepared for mercantile life, and
at quite an early age made a voyage to Europe. In 1772, he was elected a repre¬
sentative in the colonial assembly of his province, and in 1774, being recognised as a
warm republican, he was chosen a representative in the continental Congress. The
following year he entered the military service, accompanied Washington to Cam¬
bridge, as his aid, and in the spring of 1776, was commissioned a brigadier in the
continental army. He was promoted to major-general in February, 1777, and con¬
tinued in service until near the close of the war. In the autumn of 1 783, he was
chosen president of Congress, of which he was a member, and received from Wash¬
ington his commission, when he resigned it. In 1785 he was a member of the Penn¬
sylvania legislature, and in 1787 was a member of the federal convention. He was
elected governor of Pennsylvania in 1790, and held that office nine years. He re¬
tired from it in December 1799, and expired at Lancaster the following month, at
the age of fifty-six years.

404 RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

of horse to the city. Conspicuous among the governor’s
suite, as well for his martial bearing as for the manly
beauty of his person, was General Walter Stewart, a son
of Erin, and a gallant and distinguished officer of the
Pennsylvania line. To Stewart, as to Cadwalader,
Washington was most warmly attached • indeed, those
officers were among the very choicest of the contribu¬
tions of Pennsylvania to the army and cause of Independ¬
ence. Mifflin, small in stature, was active, alert, “ every
inch a soldier.” He was a patriot of great influence in
Pennsylvania in the “ times that tried men’s souls,” and
nobly did he exert that influence in raising troops, with
which to reinforce the wreck of the grand army at the
close of the campaign of ’76.

Arrived within the city, the crowd became intense.
The president left his carriage and mounted the white
charger ; and, with the governor on his right, proceeded
to the City Tavern in South Second street,* where quar¬
ters were prepared for him, the light-infantry, after some
time, having opened a passage for the carriages. At the
City Tavern the president was received by the authori¬
ties of Philadelphia, who welcomed the chief magistrate
to their city as to his home for the remainder of his
presidential term. A group of old and long-tried friends
were also in waiting. Foremost among these, and first
to grasp the hand of Washington, was one who was al-

* The City Tavern was then, and had been since its erection in 1770, the leading
public-house in Philadelphia. It was in South Second, near Walnut street. It
was the gathering-place for the members of the continental Congress ; and from it
one of the most remarkable processions ever known, was seen on the fifth of Sep¬
tember, 1774. John Adams, in his diary, says : “At ten, the delegates all met at
the City Tavern, and walked to the Carpenter’s Hall.” Within an hour afterward,
the first Congress was organized by the appointment of Peyton Randolph as presi¬
dent, and Charles Thomson as secretary.

THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PRESIDENCY.

405

ways nearest to his heart, a patriot and public benefactor,
Robert Morris.

After remaining a short time in Philadelphia, the pres¬
ident speeded on his journey to that home where he ever
found rest from his mighty labors, and enjoyed the sweets
of rural and domestic happiness amid his farms and at
his fireside of Mount Yernon.

Onward, still onward, flows the tide of time. The few
who yet survive that remember the father of his country,
are fast fading away. A little while, and their gray heads
will all have dropped into the grave. May the reminis¬
cences of one whom Washington adopted in infancy,
cherished in youth, and who grew up to manhood under
his parental care, continue to find favor with the Ameri¬
can people !

406

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XXI.

Washington’s home and household*

Order — Public Days ■while President — Washington’s Aversion to Show and Pomp —
Congressional and Diplomatic Dinners — Mrs. Washington’s Evening Parties — The
Cincinnati — Washington’s Attention to Private Concerns — His Economy — His En¬
deavors to avoid Personal Attentions — His Reception everywhere — Colonel
Proctor — Colonel Rogers — General Charles Scott — An Irish Soldier at the Pres¬
idential Mansion — The Wrath op Washington — His Sense of Justice — First In¬
terview with St. Clair after his Defeat — Washington’s Steward — Ills Extrava¬
gance Reproved — The Chief Cook of the Presidential Mansion — His Character
and Habits — The Coachman — The Coach in which the President made his Tour

THROUGH THE SOUTHERN STATES — THE STABLES IN PHILADELPHIA — TlIE CHARGERS AND

the Coach-Horses — Almost a Catastrophe — Washington’s Punctuality — Scenes on
the National Anniversaries— Reflections.

Wherever Washington established a home — whether
temporary or fixed, whether amid the log hnts of Morris¬
town or the Valley Forge, the presidential mansions in
New York or Philadelphia, or his own beloved Mount
Vernon — everywhere order, method, punctuality, econ¬
omy reigned. His household, whether civil or military,
was always upon a liberal scale, and was conducted with
due regard to economy and usefulness.

The public days of the first president of the United
States, were two in each week. On Tuesday from three
to four o’clock, a levee was held for foreign ministers,
strangers, and others, who could there be presented to

* The earlier portion of this chapter was written in July, 1827, and published
in the Alexandria Gazette. The latter portion, commencing with a notice of Fraunces,
the steward,, was written and published in a Baltimore paper, in April, 1849.

Washington’s home and household.

407

the chief magistrate, without the formality of letters of
introduction. It was, indeed more an arrangement of
mutual convenience to the parties, than an affair of state ;
still it was objected to by some, at that time of day, as
savoring rather of monarchal etiquette, than of the
simpler customs which should distinguish a republic. —
Who thinks so now ? In truth, the first president was
so occupied with the multiplicity of public concerns, at¬
tendant on the outset of a new government, that it be¬
came necessary to limit the time of visiters of mere cere¬
mony, as much as possible ; and the levee enabled all
such personages to pay their respects within the moder¬
ate compass of an hour. The world is always governed
in a considerable degree by form and usage. There
never lived a man more averse to show and pomp than
Washington. Plain in his habits, there was none to whom
the details of official parade and ceremony could be less
desirable ; but correct in all his varied stations of life,
the days of the first presidency will ever appear as
among the most dignified and imposing in our country’s

annals.*

* In a letter to Doctor Stuart, Washington gives an account of the origin of his
levees. “ Before the custom was established,” he says, “ which now accommodates
foreign characters, strangers, and others, who, from motives of curiosity, respect for
the chief magistrate, or any other cause, are induced to call upon me, I was unable
to attend to any business whatever; for gentlemen, consulting their own convenience
rather than mine, were calling after the time I rose from breakfast, and often before,
until I sat down to dinner. This, as I resolved not to neglect my public duties,
reduced me to the choice of one of these alternatives : either to refuse visits alto¬
gether, or to appropriate a time for the reception of them. The first would, I knew,
be disgusting to many ; the latter, I expected, would undergo animadversions from
those who would find fault with or without cause. To please everybody was im¬
possible. I, therefore, adopted that line of conduct which combined public advan¬
tage with private convenience, and which, in my judgment, was unexceptionable in
itself. . . .These visits are optional; they are made without invitation ; between the
hours of three and four every Tuesday, I am prepared to receive them. Gentlemen,

408

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

On Thursday the president gave his congressional and
diplomatic dinners; and on Friday night, Mrs. Washing¬
ton received company at what was then, and is still,
called the drawing-room.*

often in great numbers, come and go, chat with each other, and act as they please.
A porter shows them into the room, and they retire from it when they choose, with¬
out ceremony. At their first entrance they salute me, and I them, and as many as
I can I talk to.”

* See note on page 396. Mr. Wansey, an English traveller, who published an
account of his Excursion in the United States , in 1795, says, that the democrats
“objected to these drawing-rooms of Mrs. Washington, as tending to give her a
super-eminency, and as introductory to the paraphernalia of courts.” After quoting
this, Dr. Griswold, in his Republican Court , remarks : “ With what feelings the ex¬
cellent woman regarded these democrats is shown by an anecdote of the same period.
She was a severe disciplinarian, and Nelly Custis was not often permitted by her to
be idle, or to follow her own caprices. The young girl was compelled to practise at
the harpsichord four or five hours every day, and one morning, when she should
have been playing, her grandmother entered the room, remarking that she had not
heard the music, and also that she had observed some person going out, whose name
she would very much like to know. Nelly was silent, and suddenly her attention
was arrested by a blemish on the wall, which had been newly painted a delicate
cream color. ‘ Ah ! it was no federalist,’ she exclaimed, looking at the spot just
above a settee ; “ none but a filthy democrat would mark a place with his good-for-
nothing head in that manner ! ”

Samuel York Atlee, Esq. of Washington city, called the attention of Mr. Custis
to this statement, when the venerable author of these Recollections, in a letter to that
gentleman, on the 29th of December, 1854, remarked : —

“ As to the story of Nelly Custis, my sister, practising very long and very un¬
willingly at the harpsichord, that part of the tale of Wansey is true. The poor girl
would play and cry, and cry and play, for long hours, under the immediate eye of
her grandmother, a rigid disciplinarian in all things.

“ As to the absurd details that chronicle a saying of Mrs. Washington, touching
democrats, no one, my dear sir, who knew that venerable lady, or who had ever
heard of her, will believe a word of it. As the esteemed Lady Washington of the
army of Independence, or the Lady-president of later days, Mrs. Washington was
remarkable for her affable and dignified manners, and her courteous and kindly de¬
meanor to all who approached her. Again, it is notorious that the politicians and
statesmen of both parties were equally well and kindly received at the presidental
mansion, where were welcomed Mr. Gallatin, Mr. Giles’, and others of the chiefs of
the democratic party, as well as Mr. Ames, Mr. Sedgwick, and others of the feder¬
alists.

“ I can, with great truth, aver that, in the whole period of the first presidency, I

Washington's home and household.

409

The president attended Mrs. Washington’s evening
parties, and paid his compliments to the circle of ladies,
with that ease and elegance of manners for which he
was remarkable. Among the most polished and well-
bred gentlemen of his time, he was always particularly
polite to ladies, even in the rugged scenes of war ; and,
in advanced age, many were the youthful swains who
sighed for those gracious smiles with which the fair al¬
ways received the attentions of this old beau of sixty-
five.

An interesting class of persons were to be found at
the side of the chief, on both his public and private days,
who gave a feeling and character to every scene, and
threw a charm over very many of the associations of
more than thirty years ago. We mean the patriots and
heroes of the Revolution. Among the finest recollections
of those gone-by days, were of the anniversary of inde¬
pendence, when the gray-haired brethren of the Cin¬
cinnati assembled around their illustrious president-gene¬
ral, many of them seamed with scars, and all bearing the
badge of the most honored association upon earth:* These

never heard Mrs. Washington engage in any political controversy, or, indeed, touch
on the subject of politics at all.

“ Another remark, and I have done.

“ The sitting parlor, into which all visiters were shown, was papered, not “ painted
but even had it been painted d la Griswold, things were better ordered in the house
of the first president than that a gentleman-visiter, on leaning against the wainscot,
should leave his warh behind him

* The society of the Cincinnati, composed of officers of the continental army,
was organized in 1783. It was conceived by General Henry Knox, and when he
communicated his ideas on the subject to Washington, he heartily approved of it.
A committee, consisting of Generals Knox, Hand, and Huntington, and Captain
Shaw, was appointed to put the propositions of several who were interested in the
matter into a proper form. This committee reported at a meeting held at the quar¬
ters of the Baron Steuben, in Fishkill, Duchess county, nearly opposite Newburgh

410

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

venerated forms are now rarely to be seen, and soon will
be seen no more ; but like Ossian’s shadowy heroes, they
will appear through the mists of time, and their heroic
lives and actions will inspire the bards of liberty, while
liberty exists to bless mankind.

Notwithstanding his great occupation in public affairs,
the first president by no means neglected his private
concerns. He was in the habit of receiving regular and
lengthy reports from the agents of his estates in Virginia,
and directed by letter the management of those exten¬
sive establishments, with both consummate skill and suc¬
cess. He also inspected the weekly accounts and dis¬
bursements of his household in Philadelphia. Indeed,
nothing seemed to escape the discerning mind of this
wonderful man, “ who had a time for all things, and did
everything in its proper time,” and in order.

(the head-quarters of the army were at the latter place), and the society was duly
organized.

As it was composed of officers who had served their country, and were about to
resume their several domestic employments, they called themselves the Cincinnati,
in honor of that illustrious Roman, Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, whose noble example
they were about to follow. The chief objects of the society were to promote cordial
friendship and indissoluble union among themselves ; to commemorate by frequent
re-unions the great struggle they had just passed through ; to use their best endeavors
for the promotion of human liberty ; to cherish good feeling between the respective
states ; and to extend benevolent aid to those of the society whose circumstances
might require it. They formed a general society, and elected Washington the
president, and Knox the secretary. The former held his office until his death, and
was succeeded by General Alexander Hamilton. For greater convenience, state
societies were organized, which were auxiliary to the parent society. To perpetuate
the association, it was provided in the constitution, that the eldest male descendant
of an original member should be entitled to membership on the decease of such
member, “in failure thereof, the collateral branches, who may be judged worthy of
becoming its supporters and members.” They also adopted an Order, to be worn
whenever the society should meet. For a full account of this society, with deline¬
ations of its Order and certificate of membership, see Lossing’s Field-Book of the
Revolution, i. 694.

Washington’s home and household.

411

General Washington was a practical economist : while
he wished that his style of living should be fully in char¬
acter with his exalted station, he was utterly averse to
waste or extravagance of any sort. He frequently repri¬
manded his first steward, Fraunces (the same at whose
hotel, in New York, the general-in-chief took leave of his
brother-officers), for expenditures which appeared to be
both unnecessary and extravagant.*

The first president took considerable pains, and used
frequent stratagems, in endeavoring to avoid the num¬
berless manifestations of attachment and respect which
awaited him wherever he went. On his journeys, he
charged the courier who would precede to engage ac¬
commodations at the inns, by no means to mention the
coming of the president to other than the landlord.
These precautions but rarely took effect ; and often when
the chief would suppose that he had stolen a march upon
his old companions-in-arms and fellow-citizens, a horse¬
man would be discovered dashing off at full speed,

* This steward was Samuel Fraunces (commonly called Black Sam, because of
his dark complexion), who kept a public house on the corner of Pearl and Broad
streets, New York. When Washington and his army occupied the city, in the
summer of 1776, the chief resided at Hichmond hill, a little out of town, after¬
ward the seat of Aaron Burr. Fraunces’s daughter was Washington’s housekeeper,
and she saved his life on one occasion, by exposing the intentions of Hickey, one of
the Life-Guard (already mentioned), who was about to murder the general, by put¬
ting poison in a dish of peas prepared for his table. In 1785, when Washington
wished a good cook at Mount Vernon, he applied to Fraunces to recommend one to
him. At the time he was appointed steward, the following advertisement ap¬
peared : —

“ Whereas, all servants and others appointed to procure provisions or supplies
for the household of the President of the United States, will be furnished
with moneys for these purposes : Notice is therefore given , that no accounts, for the
payment of which the public might be considered responsible, are to be opened
with any of them.

“May 4, 1789.

Samuel Fraunces, Steward to the Household

412

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

and soon would be beard the trumpet of the volunteer-
cavalry ; and the village cannon, roused from its bed of
neglect, where it had lain since warlike time, would sum¬
mon all within reach of its echoes, to haste and bid wel¬
come to the man who was “ first in the hearts of his
countrymen.” Every village and little hamlet poured forth
their population to greet the arrival of him who all de¬
lighted to honor. A kind of jubilee attended every¬
where the progress of the patriot chief; for even the
school children, with the curiosity incident to that age
of innocence, would labor hard at the daily lesson, and
leave the birch to hang idly on the wall, when to see
General Washington was the expected holyday and reward ;
and many of these children, now the parents of children,
while recalling the golden hours of infancy, will dwell
with delight on the time when they were presented to
the paternal chief, and recount how they heard the kind¬
ly sounds of his voice, felt the kindlier touch of his hand,
or climbed his knee, to “ share the good man’s smile.”
Pure, happy, and honored recollections ! they will de¬
scend like traditionary lore from generation to genera¬
tion, venerable to all future time.

In the frequent trial of generalship between the chief
and his ancient comrade-in-arms — the one seeking to
avoid the testimonies of respect and attachment, which
the other was equally studious to offer — the late Colonel
Proctor,* a gallant and distinguished officer of artillery,
was several times out-generalled — the president having
reached the seat of government privately and unobserved.
This roused the good old colonel, who declared, “He

* Colonel Thomas Proctor was in the battles of Brandywine, Germantown, and
Monmouth, and was with Sullivan in his famous campaign against the Indians.

Washington’s home and household. 413

shall not serve me so again ; I’ll warrant that my matches
will be found lighted next time.”

At the ferry of the Susquehannah, lived a veteran
worthy of the Revolutionary day, where the presi¬
dent always took quarters on his journeys to and from
his seat in Virginia. As the boat touched the shore,
punctual to the moment and true to his post, stood Col¬
onel Rogers, prepared to hand Mrs. Washington to his
house. It was his claim, his privilege * like the claims
at a coronation, it had been put in and allowed, and,
verily, the veteran would not have yielded it to an em¬
peror.*

The late General Charles Scott had a most inveterate
habit of swearing ; whether in private or public society,
on his farm, or the field of battle, every other word was
an oath. On the night preceding the battle of Prince¬
ton, Scott received an order from the commander-in-chief
in person to defend a bridge to the last extremity. “ To
the last man, your excellency,” replied Scott ; and, for¬
getting the presence of his chief, accompanied the words
with tremendous oaths. The general, as may be well
supposed, had but little time, on that eventful evening,
to notice or chide this want of decorum in his brave and
well-tried soldier. After the war, a friend of the gallant
general, anxious to reform his evil habits, asked him
whether it was possible that the man so much beloved,
the admired Washington, ever swore ? Scott reflected
for a moment, and then exclaimed, “Yes, once. It was
at Monmouth, and on a day that would have made any

* At the Head of Elk, was a veteran, named Tommy Giles (who had served
Washington as an express rider), who always claimed, and received, the same
honor.

414

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

man swear. Yes, sir, he swore on that day, till the
leaves shook on the trees, charming, delightful. Never
have I enjoyed such swearing before, or since. Sir, on
that ever-memorable day he swore like an angel from
Heaven.”* The reformer abandoned the general in de¬
spair.

During the first presidency, the door of the mansion
gathered but little rust on its hinges, while its latch was
often lifted by the “ broken soldier.” Scarce a day passed
that some veteran of the heroic time did not present
himself at headquarters . The most tattered of these types
of the days of privation and trial were “ kindly bid to
stay,” were offered refreshment, and a glass of something
to their old general’s health, and then dismissed with
lighter hearts, and heavier pouches. So passed the
many, but not so with one of Erin’s sons. It was about
the hour of the Tuesday levee, when German John, the
porter, opened to a hearty rap, expecting to admit at
least a dignitary of the land, or foreign ambassador, when
who should march into the hall but an old fellow, whose
weather-beaten countenance, and well-worn apparel,
showed him to be “ no carpet knight.” His introduction
was short, but to the purpose. He had “ come to head¬
quarters to see his honor’s excellence, God bless him.”

* Charles Scott was a native of Cumberland county, in Virginia. He raised the
first company of volunteers in that state, south of the James river, that actually en¬
tered into the continental service. So much was he appreciated, that, in 1777, the
shire-town of Powhatan county was named in honor of him. Congress appointed
him a brigadier in the continental army on the first of April, 1777. He served with
distinction during the war, and at its termination he went to Kentucky. He settled
in Woodford county, in that state, in 1785. He was with St. Clair at his defeat in
1791 ; and in 1794 he commanded a portion of Wayne’s army at the battle of the
Fallen Timber. He was governor of Kentucky from 1808 to 1812. He died on the
twenty-second of October, 1820, aged seventy-four years.

Washington’s home and household.

415

He was an old soldier. In vain the porter assured him
that it would be impossible to see the president at that
time; a great company was momently expected — the
hall was not a fitting place — would he go to the stew¬
ard’s apartment and get something to drink? To all
which Pat replied, that he was in no hurry ; that he would
wait his honor’s leisure ; and, taking a chair, composed
and made himself comfortable. And now passed minis¬
ters of state and foreign ministers, senators, judges ; the
great and the gay. Meanwhile, poor Pat stoutly main¬
tained his post, gazing on the crowd, till the levee having
ended, and the president about to retire to his library,
he was informed that an obstinate Irishman had taken
possession of the hall, and would be satisfied with noth¬
ing short of an interview with the president himself.
The chief good-naturedly turned into the hall. So soon
as the veteran saw his old commander, he roared out :
“Long life to your honor’s excellence,” at the same time
hurling his hat to the floor, and erecting himself with
military precision. “Your honor will not remember me,
though many is the day that I have marched under your
orders, and many’s the hard knocks I’ve had, too. I be¬
longed to Wayne’s brigade — Mad Anthony , the British
called him, and, by the power, he was always mad
enough for them. I was wounded in the battle of Ger¬
mantown. Hurrah for America ! and it does my heart
good to see your honor ; and how is the dear lady and
all the little ones ?” Here the usually grave temperar
ment of Washington gave way, as, with a smile, he re¬
plied, he was well, as was Mrs. Washington, but they
were unfortunate in having no children ; then pressing
a token into the soldier’s hand, he ascended the staircase

416

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

to his library. The Irishman followed with his eyes the
retiring general, then looked again and again upon the
token, which he had received from his honor's own hand,
pouched it, recovered his hat, which he placed with mil¬
itary exactness a little on one side, then took up his line
of march, and as he passed the porter, called out, “ There
now, you Hessian fellow, you see that his honor’s excel¬
lence has not forgotten an ould soldier .”

These anecdotes, though simple in themselves, possess
no common character. They are Tales of the Dags of
Washington, and tales of the heart. We proceed to some¬
thing more grave.

The president was dining, when an officer arrived from
the western army with despatches, his orders requiring
that he should deliver them only to the commander-in¬
chief. The president retired, but soon reappeared, bear¬
ing in his hand an open letter. No change was per¬
ceptible in his countenance, as addressing the company
he observed that the army of St. Clair had been surprised
by the Indians, and was cut to pieces.* The company

* For several years after the peace of 1783, British agents on the northwestern
frontier of the United States, continued to tamper with the Indians, and excite them
to hostilities against the people of the new republic. The Indians showed growing
discontent for some time, and finally, in the spring of 1790, these developed into
open hostilities. All attempts at pacific arrangements were fruitless, and a strong
force, under General Harmer, was sent into the Indian country, north of the present
city of Cincinnati, to desolate the Indian villages and crops, in order to impress them
with terror. This accomplished, he penetrated deeper, and in two battles (October
17 and 22, 1790), near the present village of Fort Wayne, in Indiana, he was de¬
feated, with considerable loss. The following year, General Scott led some Ken¬
tucky volunteers against the Indians on the Wabash ; and another marched thither
in July following, under General Wilkinson. General St. Clair was then governor
of the Northwestern territory, and in September, 1791, he marched against the
Indians, at the head of two thousand men. While in camp, near the northern line
of the present Darke country, in Ohio, on the fourth of November, he was surprised
and defeated.

Washington’s home and household. 417

soon after retired. The president repaired to his private
parlor, attended by Mr. Lear, his principal secretary, and
a scene ensued of which our pen can give but a feeble
description.

The chief paced the room in hurried strides. In his
agony, he struck his clenched hands with fearful force
against his forehead, and in a paroxysm of anguish ex¬
claimed : “ That brave army, so officered — Butler, Fergu¬
son, Kirkwood — such officers are not to be replaced in a
day — that brave army cut to pieces. 0 God!” Then
turning to the secretary, who stood amazed at a spectacle
so unique, as Washington in all his terrors, he continued :
“ It was here, sir, in this very room, that I conversed
with St. Clair, on the very eve of his departure for the
West. I remarked, I shall not interfere, general, with
the orders of General Knox, and the war department ;
they are sufficiently comprehensive and judicious ; but,
as an old soldier, as one whose early life was particularly
engaged in Indian warfare, I feel myself competent to
counsel; General St. Clair, in three words, beware of
surprise ; trust not the Indian ; leave not your arms for
a moment ; and when you halt for the night, be sure to
fortify your camp— again and again, general, beware of
surprise. And yet that brave army surprised, and cut
to pieces, with Butler, and an host of others slain, 0
God !” Here the struggle ended, as with mighty efforts
the hero chained down the rebellious giant of passion,
and Washington became “himself again.” In a subdued
tone of voice, he proceeded : “ But he shall have justice ;
yes, long, faithful, and meritorious services have their
claims. I repeat — he shall have justice.”

Thus concluded a scene as remarkable as rare. it

418

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

served to display this great man as nature had made
him, with passions fierce and impetuous, which, like the
tornado of the tropics, would burst for a while in awful
grandeur, and then show, in higher relief, a serene and
brilliant sky.*

* The venerable Richard Rush, who died at his beautiful seat of Sydenham, near
Philadelphia, while these pages were in preparation, has given in a thin volume, en¬
titled Washington in Domestic Life , the following account of this matter, which cor¬
responds with that of Mr. Custis, written thirty years before. Mr. Custis doubtless
also received his information from the lips of Mr. Lear : —

“ An anecdote I derived from Colonel Lear,” says Mr. Rush, “ shortly before
his death in 1816, may here be related, showing the height to which Washington’s
passion would rise, yet be controlled. It belongs to his domestic life, with which I
am dealing, having occurred under his own roof, while it marks public feeling the
most intense, and points to the moral of his life. I give it in Colonel Lear’s words,
as near as I can, having made a note of them at the time.

“Toward the close of a winter’s day in 1791, an officer in uniform was seen to
dismount in front of the president’s house, in Philadelphia, and giving the bridle to
his servant, knocked at the door of the mansion. Learning from the porter that the
president was at dinner, he said he was on public business and had despatches for
the president. A servant was sent into the dining-room to give the information to
Mr. Lear, who left the table and went into the hall, where the officer repeated what
he had said. Mr. Lear replied that, as the president’s secretary, he would take
charge of the despatches and deliver them at the proper time. The officer made
answer, that he h^d just arrived from the western army, and his orders were to de¬
liver them with all promptitude, and to the president in person; but that he would
wait his directions. Mr. Lear returned, and in a whisper imparted to the president
what had passed. General Washington rose from the table, and went to the officer.
He was back in a short time, made a word of apology for his absence, but no allu¬
sion to the cause of it. He had company that day. Everything went on as usual.
Dinner over, the gentlemen passed to the drawing-room of Mrs. Washington, which
was open in the evening. The general spoke courteously to every lady in the room,
as was his custom. His hours were early, and by ten o’clock all the company had
gone. Mrs. Washington and Mr. Lear remained. Soon Mrs. Washington left the
room.

“ The general now walked backward and forward for some minutes without speak¬
ing. Then he sat down on a sofa by the fire, telling Mr. Lear to sit down. To
this moment there had been no change in his manner since his interruption at the
table. Mr. Lear now perceived emotion. This rising in him, he broke out sudden¬
ly, “ It ’s all over— St. Clair’s defeated— routed ; the officers nearly all killed, the
men by wholesale ; the rout complete — too shocking to think of — and a surprise in
the bargain J”

Washington’s home and household.

419

The first interview of the president with St. Clair, after
the fatal fourth of November, was nobly impressive.
The unfortunate general, worn down by age, disease,
and the hardships of a frontier campaign, assailed by the
press, and with the current of popular opinion setting
hard against him, repaired to his chief, as to a shelter
from the fury of so many elements. Washington ex¬
tended his hand to one who appeared in no new charac¬
ter ; for, during the whole of a long life, misfortune
seemed “ to have marked him for her own.” Poor old

“ He uttered all this with great vehemence. Then he paused, got up from the
sofa and walked about the room several times, agitated, but saying nothing. Near
the door he stopped short and stood still a few seconds, when his wrath became ter¬
rible.

“ ‘ Yes,’ ” he burst forth, “ * here, on this very spot, I took leave of him ; I
wished him success and honor ; you have your instructions, I said, from the secre¬
tary of war ; I had a strict eye to them, and will add but one word — beware of a
surprise. I repeat it, beware of a surprise — you know how the Indians fight us.
He went off with that as my last solemn warning thrown into his ears. And yet, to
suffer that army to be cut to pieces, hacked by a surprise — the very thing I guarded
him against ! O God, 0 God, he ’s worse than a murderer ! How can he answer
it to his country ? — the blood of the slain is upon him — the curse of widows and
orphans — the curse of Heaven !’

“ This torrent came out in tone appalling. His very frame shook. It was awful,
said Mr. Lear. More than once he threw his hands up as he hurled imprecations
upon St. Clair. Mr. Lear remained speechless ; awed into breathless silence.

“ The roused chief sat down on the sofa once more. He seemed conscious of his
passion, and uncomfortable. He was silent. His wrath began to subside ; he at
length said, in an altered voice, ‘ This must not go beyond this room/ Another
pause followed — a longer one — when he said, in a tone quite low, ‘ General St.
Clair shall have justice. I looked hastily through the despatches, saw the whole
disaster, but not all the particulars ; I will hear him without prejudice ; he shall
have full justice/

“ He was now, said Mr. Lear, perfectly calm. Half an hour had gone by. The
storm was over ; and no sign of it was afterwards seen in his conduct, or heard in
his conversation. The result is known. The whole case was investigated by Con¬
gress. St. Clair was exculpated and regained the confidence Washington had in
him when appointing him to that command. He had put himself into the thickest
of the fight and escaped unhurt, though so ill as to be carried on a litter, and unable
to mount his horse without help.”

420

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

St. Clair hobbled up to his chief, seized the offered hand
in both of his, and gave vent to his feelings in an audible
manner.* He was subsequently tried by a commission
of government, and proved to have been unfortunate.

We have mentioned Sam. Fraunces, the president’s
steward. He was a rare whig in the Revolutionary day,
and attached no little importance to his person and char¬
acter, from the circumstance that the memorable parting
of the commander-in-chief with his old and long endeared
companions-in-arms had taken place at his tavern in
New York.f

The steward was a man of talent and considerable
taste in the line of his profession, but was at the same
time ambitious, fond of display, and regardless of expense.
This produced continued difficulties between the pres¬
ident and certainly one of the most devotedly attached
to him of all his household.

The expenses of the presidential mansion were settled
weekly ; and, upon the bills being presented, the presi-

* Mr. Custis informed me that he happened to be present at the beginning of that
interview. He was then between the tenth and eleventh year of his age, and it made
an impression on his mind.

t When the British had evacuated New York, in November, 1783, and the Amer¬
ican army was disbanded, Washington prepared to proceed to Annapolis to resign
his commission. On Thursday, the fourth of December, the principal officers in
the army yet remaining in the service, assembled at Fraunces’, to take a final leave
of their beloved chief. The scene is described as one of great tenderness. Wash¬
ington entered the room where they were all waiting, and taking a glass of wine in
his hand, he said, “ With a heart full of love and gratitude, I now take leave of you.
I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your
former ones have been glorious and honorable.” Having drank, he continued, “ I
can not come to each of you to take my leave, but shall be obliged to you if each
will come and take me by the hand.” Knox, who stood nearest to him, turned and
grasped his hand, and, while the tears flowed down the cheeks of each, the com¬
mander-in-chief kissed him. This he did to each of his officers, while tears and sobs
stifled utterance.

Washington’s home and household.

421

dent would rate his steward soundly upon his expensive¬
ness, saying that, while he wished to live conformably
to his high station, liberally, nay handsomely, he abhor¬
red waste and extravagance, and insisted that his house¬
hold should be conducted with due regard to economy
and usefulness.

Fraunces would promise amendment, and the next
week the same scene would be re-enacted in all its parts,
the steward retiring in tears, and exclaiming, “ Well, he
may discharge me ; he may kill me if he will ; but while
he is president of the United States, and I have the
honor to be his steward, his establishment shall be sup¬
plied with the very best of everything that the whole
country can afford.”

Washington was remarkably fond of fish. It was the
habit for New England ladies frequently to prepare the
codfish in a very nice manner, and send it enveloped in
cloths, so as to arrive quite warm for the president’s
Saturday dinner, he always eating codfish on that day in
compliment to his New England recollections.

It happened that a single shad was caught in the Dela¬
ware in February, and brought to the Philadelphia mar¬
ket for sale. Fraunces pounced upon it with the speed
of an osprey, regardless of price, but charmed that he
had secured a delicacy that, above all others, he knew
would be agreeable to the plate of his chief.

When the fish was served, Washington suspected a
departure from his orders touching the provision to be
made for his table, and said to Fraunces, who stood at
his post at the sideboard, “ What fish is this ?” — “ A shad,
a very fine shad,” was the reply ; “ I knew your excel¬
lency was particularly fond of this kind of fish, and was

422

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

so fortunate as to procure this one in market — a solitary
one, and the first of the season.” — ■“ The price, sir ; the
price !” continued Washington, in a stern commanding
tone ; “ the price, sir ?”■ — ■“ Three — three — three dollars,”
stammered out the conscience-stricken steward. “ Take
it away,” thundered the chief; “take it away, sir; it
shall never be said that my table sets such an example
of luxury and extravagance.” Poor Fraunces tremblingly
obeyed, and the first shad of the season was removed
untouched, to be speedily discussed by the gourmands
of the servants’ hall.

The chief cook would have been termed in modern
parlance, a celebrated artiste. He was named Hercules,
and familiarly termed Uncle Harkless. Trained in the
mysteries of his part from early youth, and in the palmy
days of Yirginia, when her thousand chimneys smoked
to indicate the generous hospitality that reigned through¬
out the whole length and breadth of her wide domain,
Uncle Harkless was, at the period of the first presidency,
as highly accomplished a proficient in the culinary art as
could be found in the United States. He was a dark-
brown man, little, if any, above the usual size, yet pos¬
sessed of such great muscular power as to entitle him to
be compared with his namesake of fabulous history.

The chief cook gloried in the cleanliness and nicety of
his kitchen. Under his iron discipline, wo to his under¬
lings if speck or spot could be discovered on the tables
or dressers, or if the utensils did not shine like polished
silver. With the luckless wights who had offended in
these particulars there was no arrest of punishment, for
judgment and execution went hand in hand.

The steward, and indeed the whole household, treated

Washington’s home and household. 423

the chief cook with much respect, as well for his valua¬
ble services as for his general good character and pleas¬
ing manners.

It was while preparing the Thursday or Congress din¬
ner that Uncle Harkless shone in all his splendor. Dur¬
ing his labors upon this banquet he required some half-
dozen aprons, and napkins out of number. It was sur¬
prising the order and discipline that was observed in so
bustling a scene. His underlings flew in all directions
to execute his orders, while he, the great master-spirit,
seemed to possess the power of ubiquity, and to be every¬
where at the same moment.

When the steward in snow-white apron, silk shorts and
stockings, and hair in full powder, placed the first dish
on the table, the clock being on the stroke of four, “ the
labors of Hercules” ceased.

While the masters of the republic were engaged in dis¬
cussing the savory viands of the Congress dinner, the
chief cook retired to make his toilet for an evening
promenade. His perquisites from the slops of the kitchen
were from one to two hundred dollars a year. Though
homely in person, he lavished the most of these large
avails upon dress. In making his toilet his linen was of
unexceptionable whiteness and quality, then black silk
shorts, ditto waistcoat, ditto stockings, shoes highly pol¬
ished, with large buckles covering a considerable part of
the foot, blue cloth coat with velvet collar and bright
metal buttons, a long watch-chain dangling from his fob,
a cocked-hat, and gold-headed cane completed the grand
costume of the celebrated dandy (for there were dandies
in those days) of the president’s kitchen.

Thus arrayed, the chief cook invariably passed out at

424

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

the front door, the porter making a low bow, which was
promptly returned. Joining his brother-loungers of the
pave, he proceeded up Market street, attracting consider¬
able attention, that street being, in the old times, the
resort where fashionables “ did most congregate.” Many
were not a little surprised on beholding so extraordinary
a personage, while others who knew him would make a
formal and respectful bow, that they might receive in
return the salute of one of the most polished gentlemen
and the veriest dandy of nearly sixty years ago.

The coachman, John Fagan, by birth a Hessian, was
tall and burly in person, and an accomplished coachman
in every respect. He understood the mechanism of a
carriage, and could take to pieces and put together again
all the parts, should he meet with any accident on his
road. He drove for the president throughout his whole
tour of the then southern states, from Mount Vernon to
Savannah, and by Augusta and the interior of South and
North Carolina, in the white chariot built by Clarke, of
Philadelphia, without the slightest accident or misfortune
happening in so long a journey.*

On the president’s return Clarke was in attendance to
learn the success of what he deemed his master-piece of
coach-making. No sooner had the horses stopped at the
door of the presidential mansion than the anxious coach-
maker was under the body of the white chariot, examin¬
ing everything with a careful and critical eye, till Fagan
shouted from the box, “ All right, Mr. Clarke ; all right,

* Washington visited the southern states in the spring of 1791. He set out from
Mount Vernon early in April, and was absent three months, during which time he
performed a journey of about nineteen hundred miles, with the same span of horses.
He followed the seaboard as nearly as possible to Savannah, visited Augusta,
and returned by way of the interior of the Carolinas and Virginia.

Washington’s home and household. 425

sir ; not a bolt or screw started in a long journey and
over the devil’s own roads.” The delighted mechanic
now found his hand grasped in that of the president, who
complimented him upon his workmanship, assuring him
that it been sufficiently tested in a great variety of very
bad roads. Clarke, the happiest of men, repaired to his
shop, in Sixth street, where he informed his people of the
success of the white chariot, the account of which he had
received from the president’s own lips, when the day
ended in a jollification at the coachmaker’s.

John Kruse succeeded Fagan. He was a steady, es¬
timable man, and having been bred in the Austrian
cavalry, was perfectly conversant with horses. He was
an excessive smoker, his meerschaum never being out of
his mouth, except at meals or on the coach-box.

The stables consisted of ten coach and saddle horses,
and the two white chargers, a coachman and two grooms.
Of the chargers the one usually rode by the chief was
named Prescott. He was a fine parade horse, purely white,
and sixteen hands high. He was indifferent to the fire
of artillery, the waving of banners, and the clang of mar¬
tial instruments, but had a very bad habit of dancing
about on the approach of a carriage, a habit very annoy¬
ing to his rider, who although a master in horsemanship,
preferred to ride as quietly as possible, especially when,
during his Saturday’s ride, he would meet with carriages
containing ladies, it being customary with them to order
their coachman to stop and let down their glasses, that
the president might approach to pay his compliments.

The other charger was named Jackson , from the circum¬
stance of his having run away with Major Jackson, aid-de-
camp to the president, when coming into Princeton, en

426

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

route from New York to Philadelphia, in 1790, to the sad
discomfiture of the major, and the no little amusement
of the chief and the brilliant cortege of gallant cavaliers
with which he was attended. Jackson was a superb an¬
imal, purely white, with flowing main and tail. He was
of a fierce and fiery temperament, and, when mounted,
moved with mouth open, champing the bit, his nostrils
distended, and his Arab eye flashing fire. Washington,
disliking a fretful horse, rarely rode this fine but impet¬
uous animal, while Kruse, whose duty it was to accom¬
pany the president when on horseback, had had diverse
combats with the fiery charger, in several of which, it
was said the old Austrian dragoon came off rather second
best. When putting on the housings and caparison for the
chief to ride Jackson , Kruse would say, “ Ah, ha, my fine
fellow, you’ll have your match to-day, and I know you’ll
take care to behave yourself.” In fact, the noble horse
had felt the power of Washington’s stalwart arm, a power
that could throw a horse upon his haunches in a single
moment, and the sagacious animal quailed before a force
not easily resisted nor soon forgotten.

Among the coach-horses were a pair of beautiful blood
bays, bred at Mount Yernon from the celebrated stallion
Magnolia. These thorough-breds were the pets of the
stables, and always drew the coach when Mrs. Washing¬
ton paid her visits in Philadelphia. One day, but for the
courage and presence of mind of a servant, a serious
catastrophe would have occurred. Mrs. Washington and
her grand-daughter* were just seated in the coach, and
James Hurley (a native of Ireland) was putting up the
step, when, the day being warm, and the flies trouble-

* Eleanor Parke Custis.

Washington’s home and household. 427

some, one of the horses rubbed off his bridle. The coach¬
man, of course, sat powerless on his box. The affrighted
animal at first stared wildly about him, and was in the
act of springing forward, when Hurley, perceiving the
imminent danger, with a presence of mind equalled by
his courage, grappled the animal around the neck, and
amid his furious and maddening plunges clung to him,
and so encumbered him with the weight of a heavy man
that the passengers in the street were enabled to come to
the rescue, when the bridle was replaced, and the car¬
riage drove off

The president was much gratified when inspecting his
stables at Philadelphia. They were large and roomy,
and everything in and about them in the most perfect
order* the grooming of the horses superb, such as the
moderns can have no idea of.*

Washington, as we have elsewhere observed, was the
most punctual of men. To this admirable quality, and
the one equally admirable of rising at four o’clock and
retiring to rest at nine at all seasons, this great man
owed his being able to accomplish mighty labors during
a long and illustrious life. He was punctual in every¬
thing, and made every one punctual about him.

During his memorable journey through the southern
portion of the union, he had, before setting ofi^ arranged
all the stages for the whole route ; the ferries, the inns,
the hour of arriving at and departing from each, were all
duly calculated, and punctually did the white chariot
arrive at all its appointments, except when prevented by
high waters or excessively bad roads.f

* See note on page 397.

t Thinking that the public service might require communications to be made to

428

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

His punctuality on that long journey astonished every
one. The trumpet call of the cavalry had scarcely ceased
its echoes when a vidette would be seen coming in at
full speed, and the cry resound far and wide, “ He ’s com¬
ing !” Scarcely would the artillery-men unlimber the
cannon, when the order would be given, “ Light your
matches, the white chariot is in full view !”

Revolutionary veterans, hurried from all directions
once more to greet their beloved chief. They called it
marching to headquarters ; and as the dear glorious old
fellows would overtake their neighbors and friends, they
would say, u Push on, my boys, if you wish to see him ;
for we, who ought to know, can assure you that he is
never behind time, but always punctual to the moment.’’

It was thus that Washington performed his memorable
tour of the United States — everywhere received with
heartfelt homage that the love, veneration, and gratitude
of a whole people could bestow ; and there is no doubt
yet living a gray head who can tell of the time when he
gallantly rode to some village or inn on the long-remem¬
bered route to hail the arrival of the white chariot, and
join in the joyous welcome to the Father of his Country.

And equally punctual in his engagements was this re¬
markable man nearer home. To the review, the theatre,
or the ball-room he repaired precisely at the appointed

him during his absence, Washington wrote a letter to the head of each department,
in which he designated the places that he should be at on certain days. “ I shall
be,” he said, “ on the eighth of April at Fredericksburg ; the eleventh, at Richmond ;
the fourteenth, at Petersburgh ; the sixteenth, at Halifax; the eighteenth, at Tar-
borough ; the twentieth, at Newtown ; the twenty-fourth, at Wilmington ; the
twenty-ninth, at Georgetown, South Carolina ; on the second of May, at Charleston,
halting there five days ; on the eleventh, at Savannah, halting there two days. Thence
leaving the line of march, I shall proceed to Augusta; and, according to the infor¬
mation which I may receive there, my return by an upper road will be regulated.”

Washington’s home and household. 429

time. The manager of the theatre, waiting on the pres¬
ident to request him to command a play, was asked, “ At
what time, Mr. Wignell, does your curtain rise ?” The
manager replied, “ Seven o’clock is the hour, but of course
the curtain will not rise till your excellency’s arrival.”
The president observed, “ I will be punctual, sir, to the
time ; nobody waits a single moment for me.” And, sure
enough, precisely at seven, the noble form of Washing¬
ton was seen to enter the stage box, amid the acclamar
tions of the audience and the music of the President’s
March.

In the domestic arrangement of the presidential man¬
sion, the private dinner was served at three o’clock, the
public one at four. The drawing-room commenced at
seven, and ended at a little past ten. The levee began
at three and ended at four. On the public occasions the
company came within a very short time of each other, and
departed in the same manner. “ The president is punc¬
tual,” said everybody, and everybody became punctual.

On the great national days of the fourth of July and
twenty-second of February, the salute from the then
head of Market street (Eighth street) announced the open¬
ing of the levee. Then was seen the venerable corps of
the Cincinnati marching to pay their respects to their
president-general, who received them at headquarters,
and in the uniform of the commander-in-chief. This
veteran band of the Revolution had learned punctuality
from their general in the “ times that tried men’s souls
for no sooner had the thunder-peals of Colonel Proctor’s
twelve-pounders caused the windows to rattle in Market
street than this venerable body of the Cincinnati were
in full march for the headquarters. And as soon as the

430

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

first gun would be heard, a venerable citizen was seen to
leave his office, and moving at a more than usual pace,
ascend the steps of the presidential mansion. He gave
in no name — he required no ceremony of introduction —
but, making his way to the family parlor, opened the
general gratulation by the first welcome of Eobert Morris.

A fine volunteer corps, called the light-infantry, from
the famed light-infantry of the Eevolutionary army, com¬
manded by Lafayette, mounted a guard of honor at
headquarters during the levee on the national days.
When it was about to close, the soldiers, headed by their
sergeants, marched with trailed arms and noiseless step
through the hall to a spot where huge bowls of punch
had been prepared for their refreshment, when, after
quaffing a deep carouse, with three hearty cheers to the
health of the president, they countermarched to the
street, the bands struck up the favorite air, “ forward ”
was the word, and the levee was ended*

* In the year 1790, according to the following sketch, taken from an old num¬
ber of the London New Monthly Magazine , an appreciating English gentleman visited
the president. The sketch has been attributed to the pen of Hazlitt : “ I remember
my father telling me he was introduced to Washington, in 1790, by an American
friend. A servant, well-looking and well-dressed, received the visitants at the door,
and by him they were delivered over to an officer of the United States’ service, who
ushered them into the drawing-room, in which Mrs. Washington and several ladies
were seated. There was nothing remarkable in the person of the lady of the pres¬
ident ; she was matronly and kind, with perfect good-breeding ; she at once entered
into easy conversation, asked- how long he had been in America, how he liked the
country, and such other familiar, but general questions. In a few minutes the gen¬
eral was in the room ; it was not necessary to announce his name, for his peculiar
appearance, his firm forehead, Roman nose, and a projection of the lower jaw, his
height and figure, could not be mistaken by any one who had seen a full-length pic¬
ture of him, and yet no picture accurately resembled him in the minute traits of his
person. His features, however, were so marked by prominent characteristics, which
appear in all likenesses of him that a stranger could not be mistaken in the man ; he
was remarkably dignified in his manners, and had an air of benignity over his features
which his visitant did not expect, being rather prepared for sternness of countenance.

Washington’s home and household.

431

“ Old times are changed, old manners gone.” True,
we have become a mighty empire in extent, wealth, and

“ After an introduction by Mrs. Washington, without more form than common
good manners prescribes, * he requested me/ said my father, * to be seated ; and,
taking a chair himself, entered at once into conversation. His manner was full of
affability. He asked how I liked the country, the city of New York : talked of the
infant institutions of America, and the advantages she offered, by.her intercourse,
for benefiting other nations. He was grave in manner, but perfectly easy. His
dress was of purple satin. There was a commanding air in his appearance which
excited respect, and forbade too great a freedom towards him, independently of that
species of awe which is always felt in the moral influence of a great character. In
every movement, too, there was a polite gracefulness equal to any met with in the
most polished individuals in Europe, and his smile was extraordinarily attractive.
It was observed to me that there was an expression in Washington’s face that no
painter had succeeded in taking. It struck me no man could be better formed for
command. A stature of six feet, a robust, but well-proportioned frame, calculated
to sustain fatigue, without that heaviness which generally attends great muscular
strength, and abates active exertion, displayed bodily power of no mean standard.
A light eye and full — the very eye of genius and reflection, rather than of blind pas¬
sionate impulse. His nose appeared thick, and though it befitted his other features,
was too coarsely and strongly formed to be the handsomest of its class. His mouth
was like no other that I ever saw ; the lips firm, and the under-jaw seeming to grasp
the upper with force, as if its muscles were in full action when he sat still. Neither
with the general nor with Mrs. Washington was there the slightest restraint of cere¬
mony. There was less of it than I ever recollect to have met with, where perfect
good-breeding and manners were at the same time observed. To many remarks
Washington assented with a smile or inclination of the head, as if he were by nature
sparing in his conversation, and I am inclined to think this was the case. An allu¬
sion was made to a serious fit of illness he had recently suffered ; but he took no
notice of it. I could not help remarking, that America must have looked with
anxiety to the termination of his indisposition. He made no reply to my compli¬
ment but by an inclination of the head. His bow at my taking leave I shall never
forget. It was the last movement which I saw that illustrious character make, as
my eyes took their leave of him for ever, and it hangs a perfect picture upon my
recollection. The house of Washington was in the Broadway, and the street front
was handsome. The drawing-room in which I sat was lofty and spacious ; but the
furniture was not beyond that found in dwellings of opulent Americans in general,
and might be called plain for its situation. The upper end of the room had glass
doors, which opened upon a balcony, commanding an extensive view of the Hudson
river, interspersed with islands, and the Jersey shore on the opposite side. A grand¬
son and daughter resided constantly in the house with the general, and a nephew of
the general’s, married to a niece of Mrs. Washington, resided at Mount Yernon, the
general’s family-seat in Virginia ; his residence, as president, keeping him at the

432

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

population; but where, Americans, is the spirit of ’76,
the glorious and immortal spirit that dignified and ad¬
orned the early days of the republic and the age of
Washington? Shall it decline and die among us? Swear
on the altar of your liberty that it shall live for ever j

seat of government/ The levees held by Washington, as president, were generally
crowded, and held on Tuesday, between three and four o’clock. The president
stood, and received the bow of the person presented, who retired to make way for
another. At the drawing-room, Mrs. Washington received the ladies, who courtesied,
and passed aside without exchanging a word. Tea and coffee, with refreshments
of all kinds, were laid in one part of the rooms, and before the individuals of the
company retired, each lady was a second time led up to the lady-president, made
her second silent obeisance, and departed. Nothing could be more simple, yet it
was enough.”

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

433

CHAPTER XXII.

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

Washington Retires fkom the Presidency— Inauguration op Mr. Adams — Arrangement
op Washington’s Letters and Papers — Albert Rawlins employed to Copy Letters —
Publication op Private Memoirs op Washington Postponed — Character op some of
TnE Letters copied — The Old Family Yault — Site for a New One selected by Wash¬
ington — Disposition op Washington’s Remains — The Desires op the Government —
Mrs. Washington’s Wish — Washington’s Improvement op his Farms — A Portrait op
the Farmer at Mount Yernon — IIis Daily Rides — Honors and Compliments — French
Emigrants at Mount Vernon — G. W. Lafayette — Repairs op the Mansion — Sir John
Sinclair — Marriage at Mount Yernon in 1799 — Billy — Washington’s Last Visits to
Alexandria — He Dines there — His Last Review — Evenings at Mount Vernon —
Washington no longer a Sportsman — Father Jack — Tom Davis — Reflections.

On the fourth of March, 1797, Washington, as a pri¬
vate citizen, attended the dignified ceremonials of the
inauguration of his successor, John Adams f and during

* On that occasion, there was a dense crowd in the house of representatives to wit¬
ness the ceremony of the inauguration of a new president. The Congress, during
the residence of the federal government in Philadelphia, held their sessions in the
courthouse, on the corner of Sixth and Chestnut streets ; and the hall of the repre¬
sentatives is thus described by a cotemporary writer : “ The house of representatives,
in session, occupied the ground floor. There was a platform elevated three steps,
plainly carpeted, and covering nearly the whole of the area, with a limited prome¬
nade for the members and privileged persons ; and four narrow desks between the
Sixth-street windows, for the stenographers, Lloyd, Gales, Callender, and Duane.
The speaker’s chair, without canopy, was of plain leather and brass nails, facing the
east, at or near the centre of the western wall.”

At the appointed hour, Washington entered the hall amidst the most enthusiastic
cheers, and was soon followed by Mr. Adams, the president elect, who was about to
take the oath of office. When they were seated, perfect silence prevailed, Wash¬
ington then arose, and with great dignity introduced Mr. Adams to the audience,
and proceeded to read, in a firm clear voice, a brief valedictory ; not the great “ Fare¬
well Address,” for that was published six months before.

4 64:

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

the preparations for his departure from the seat of gov¬
ernment, the ex-president enjoyed an interchange of

Mrs. Susan R. Ecliard, a daughter of Colonel Read, now (1859) living in Phil¬
adelphia, at the age of eighty-three years, was present on this interesting occasion,
and in a letter to a kinsman, given below, has described the scene. It may be in¬
teresting to know that the memory of Mr. Rembrandt Peale, who, two years before,
had painted Washington’s portrait, from life, and who was also present in the gal¬
lery on that occasion, fully agrees with that of Mrs. Ecliard.

Mrs. Echard remarks: “When General Washington delivered his ‘Farewell
Address,’ in the room at the southeast corner of Chestnut and Sixth streets, I sat
immediately in front of him. It was in the room Congress occupied. The table of
the speaker was between the two windows on Sixth street. The daughter of Dr. C.,
[Craik] of Alexandria, the physician and intimate friend of Washington, Mrs. H.,
[Harrison] whose husband was the auditor, was a very dear friend of mine. Her
brother Washington was one of the secretaries of General Washington. Young
Bandridge, a nephew of Mrs. Washington, was the other. I was included in Mrs.
H.’s party, to witness the august, the solemn scene. Mr. H. declined going with
Mrs. H., as she had determined to go early, so as to secure the front bench. It was
fortunate for Miss C., [Custis] (afterwards Mrs. L.) [Lewis] that she could not trust
herself to be so near her honored grandfather. My dear father stood very near her.
She was terribly agitated. There was a narrow passage from the door of entrance
to the room, which was on the east, dividing the rows of benches. General Wash¬
ington stopped at the end to let Mr. Adams pass to the chair. The latter always
wore a full suit of bright drab, with lash or loose cuffs to his coat. He always wore
wrist ruffles. He had not changed his fashions. He was a short man, with a good
head. With his family he attended our church twice a day. General Washington’s
dress was a full suit of black. His military hat had the black cockade. There
stood the ‘ Father of his Country,’ acknowledged by nations — the first in war, first
in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen. No marshals with gold-colored
scarfs attended him — there was no cheering — no noise; the most profound silence
greeted him, as if the great assembly desired to hear him breathe, and catch his
breath in homage of their hearts. Mr. Adams covered his face with both his hands ;
the sleeves of his coat, and his hands, were covered with tears. Every now and
then there was a suppressed sob. I can not describe Washington’s appearance as I
felt it — perfectly composed and self-possessed, till the close of his address : Then,
when strong nervous sobs broke loose, when tears covered the faces, then the great
man was shaken. I never took my eyes from his face. Large drops came from his
eyes. He looked to the youthful children who were parting with their father, their
friend, as if his heart was with them, and would be to the end.”

In this connection, some reminiscences of Washington, and the Congress at Phil¬
adelphia, by the late Reverend Ashbel Greene, are specially interesting: “After a
great deal of talking, and writing, and controversy, about the permanent seat of
Congress, under the present constitution,” says Mr. Greene, “it was determined

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

435

that Philadelphia should be honored with its presence for ten years, and that after¬
wards its permanent location should be in the City of Washington where it now is.
In the meantime, the federal city was in building, and the legislature of Pennsyl¬
vania voted a sum of money to build a house for the president, perhaps with some
hope that this might help to keep the seat of the general government in the capital —
for Philadelphia was then considered as the capital of the state. What was lately
the university of Pennsylvania, was the structure erected for this purpose. But as
soon as General Washington saw its dimensions, and a good while before it was fin¬
ished, he let it be known that he would not occupy — that he should certainly not
go to the expense of purchasing suitable furniture for such a dwelling; for it is to
be understood, in those days of stern republicanism, nobody thought of Congress
furnishing the president’s house ; or, if perchance such a thought did enter into some
aristocratic head, it was too unpopular to be uttered.

“President Washington, therefore, rented a house of Mr. Robert Morris, in Mar¬
ket street, between Pifth and Sixth streets, on the south side, and furnished it hand¬
somely, but not gorgeously. There he lived, with Mrs. Washington ; Mr. Lear, his
private secretary, and his wife, and Mrs. Washington’s grandchildren, making a
part of the family. Young Custis had a private tutor, employed by the president,
who was engaged to attend on his pupil one hour in the winter mornings, before
breakfast ; and who, then, commonly breakfasted with the president and his family.
The president ate Indian cakes for breakfast, after the Virginia fashion, although
buckwheat cakes were generally on the table. Washington’s dining parties were
entertained in a very handsome style. His weekly dining day, for company, was
Thursday, and his dining hour was always four o’clock in the afternoon. His rule
was to allow five minutes for the variation of clocks and watches, and then go to the
table, be present or absent, whoever might. He kept his own clock in the hall, just
within the outward door, and always exactly regulated. When lagging members of
Congress came in, as they often did, after the guests had sat down to dinner, the
president’s only apology was, * Gentlemen (or sir), we are too punctual for you. I
have a cook who never asks whether the company has come, but whether the hour
has come.’ The company usually assembled in the drawing-room, about fifteen or
twenty minutes before dinner, and the president spoke to every guest personally on
entering the room.

“ He was always dressed in a suit of black, his hair powdered, and tied in a black
queue behind, with a very elegant dress-sword, which he wore with inimitable grace.
Mrs. Washington often, but not always, dined with the company, sat at the head of
the table, and if, as was occasionally the case, there were other ladies present, they
sat each side of her. The private secretary sat at the foot of the table, and was ex¬
pected to be quietly attentive to all the guests. The president himself sat half-way
from the head to the foot of the table, and on that side he would place Mrs. Wash¬
ington, though distant from him, on his right hand. He always, unless a clergy¬
man was present at his own table, asked a blessing, in a standing posture. If a
clergyman were present, he was requested both to ask a blessing and to return thanks
after dinner. The centre of the table contained five or six large silver or plated
waiters, those of the ends, circular, or rather oval on one Side, so as to make the

436

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

farewell visits with those in Philadelphia, whom he had
known so long and loved so well.*

On Washington’s resignation of the presidency, one of
the first employments of his retirement as a private citi¬
zen was to arrange certain letters and papers for posthu¬
mous publication. With this view he wrote to General
Spotswood, in Virginia, to select a young man of respect¬
able family, good moral habits, and superior clerkly skill,
to copy into a large book certain letters and papers that
would be prepared for such purpose.

Now, these letters and papers were by no means of an
official character ; neither did they come within the range
of recollections of the Revolution or of the constitutional

arrangement correspond with the oval shape of the table. The waiters between the end-
pieces were in the form of parallelograms, the ends about one-third part of the length
of the sides ; and the whole of these waiters were filled with alabaster figures, taken
from the ancient mythology, but none of them such as to offend, in the smallest de¬
gree, against delicacy. On the outside of the oval, formed by the waiters, were
placed the various dishes, always without covers ; and outside the dishes were the
plates. A small roll of bread, enclosed in a napkin, was laid by the side of each
plate. The president, it is believed, generally dined on one dish, and that of a very
simple kind. If offered something, either in the first or second course, which was
very rich, his usual reply was — “ That is too good for me.” He had a silver pint
cup or mug of beer, placed by his plate, which he drank while dining. He took one
glass of wine during dinner, and commonly one after. He then retired (the ladies
having gone a little before him), and left his secretary to superintend the table, till
the wine-bibbers of Congress had satisfied themselves with drinking. His wines
were alway the best that could be obtained. Nothing could exceed the order with
which his table was served. Every servant knew what he was to do, and did it in
the most quiet and yet rapid manner. The dislies and plates were removed and
changed, with a silence and speed that seemed like enchantment. ”

* On the day preceding the inauguration, Washington gave a kind of farewell
dinner, to which the foreign ministers and their wives, Mr. and Mrs. Adams, Mr.
Jefferson, and Mr. Morris, were invited. Bishop White, who was present, says, that
when the cloth was removed, Washington filled his glass and said : “Ladies and gen¬
tlemen, this is the last time I shall drink your health as a public man ; I do it with
sincerity, wishing you all possible happiness.” These words affected the company
very much, and the wife of Mr. Linn, the British minister, wept so that the tears
streamed down her cheeks.

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

437

government; they were more especially private , and could
with propriety be termed Passages, Personal and Explana¬
tory, in the Life and Correspondence of George Washington .

General Spotswood selected a young man named
Albin Rawlins, of a respectable family in the county of
Caroline, and well qualified for the duties he was to per¬
form. He soon after arrived at Mount Vernon, and en¬
tered upon his employment.

The letters were delivered to Rawlins by the chief in
person, were carefully returned to him when copied, and
others delivered out for copying. As the duties of the
clerk lasted for a considerable time, very many of the
most interesting and valuable letters that Washington
ever wrote or received were copied into the Rawlins'
Booh. While we repeat that these letters were not of an
official character, we must observe that they were writ¬
ten to and received from some the most illustrious pub¬
lic men who flourished in the age of Washington, and
shed more light upon the true character of the men and
things of that distinguished period than any letters or
papers that ever were written and published.

Washington postponed the arrangement for publica¬
tion of his private memoirs to the last ; all such matters
lay dormant during the long and meritorious career of
his public services. It was only when retired amid the
shades of Mount Vernon that he . thought of self, and de¬
termined in his latter days that nothing should be left
undone to give to his country and the world a fair and
just estimate of his life and actions.*

* Applications were made to Washington, soon after the war, for materials for a ‘
biography of himself, but he discouraged every attempt to write an account of his
life, except as it came incidentally into the general history of the time in which he
lived. He well knew that such a biography would be written at some time, and was

438

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

A portion of the letters of the Kawlins’ Book were of
a delicate character, seeing that they involved the repu¬
tation of the writers as consistent patriots and men of
honor. These letters are no where to be found . But, although
the veil of mystery has been drawn over the lost letters
of the Rawlins' Booh that time or circumstance can never
remove, our readers may rest assured that there is not a
line, nay, a word, in the lost letters that Washington
wrote, that, were he living, he would wish to revoke or
blot out, but would readily, fearlessly submit to the peru¬
sal and decision of his countrymen and the world.

During the agitation of the public mind that grew out
of the subject of the lost letters more than fifty years
ago,* it was contended that the rumors were groundless ;
that there were no such letters. Faithful to our purpose
at the close of our labors, as the commencement of our
humble work more than a quarter of a century ago, to
give in these Recollections only of what we saw, and only
of what we derived from the undoubted authority of
others, we do not hesitate to declare, and from an au¬
thority that can not be questioned, that there were such
letters as those described as the Lost Letters of the Raiv-
lins ’ Boole.

The ancient family vault having fallen into a state of
deday, the chief surveyed and marked out a spot for a
family burial-place during the last days at Mount Yer-

anxious to have his papers so arranged, as to be easy for reference. Perceiving
also, the great value of well-arranged public papers, Washington made a contract,
by authority of Congress, in May, 1781, to have all of his official papers recorded in
volumes. He appointed Colonel Richard Varriclc to superintend that labor, and
he, with three or four assistants, were engaged in the business two years and a half.

* This chapter was first published in the National Intelligencer on the twenty-
second of February, 1854.

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

439

non* The new situation is peculiarly unfavorable and
ill chosen, being a most unpleasant location for either
the living or the dead. The executors, conceiving them¬
selves bound by the provisions of the will to erect a
burial vault on the spot marked out, proceeded to do so
to the best advantage ; but all their endeavors, together
with the labors of skilful mechanics, have resulted in the
tomb of Washington being universally condemned as
unfit for and unworthy of the purpose for which it was
intended, while it serves as a matter of reproach to the
crowds of pilgrims who resort thither to pay homage to
the fame and memory of the Father of his Country .f
It is certain that Washington never gave even a hint
of his views or wishes in regard to the disposition of his
remains, except what is contained in his will. He no
doubt believed that his ashes would be claimed as national
property, and be entombed with national honors ; hence
his silence on a subject that has agitated the American
public for more than half a century. On the decease of

* The following is a clause in Washington’s will : “The family vault at Mount
Vernon requiring repairs, and being improperly situated besides, I desire that a new
one of brick, and upon a larger scale, may be built at the foot of what is commonly
called the Vineyard Enclosure, on the ground which is marked out ; in which my
remains, with those of my deceased relations (now in the old vault), and such others
of my family as may choose to be entombed there, may be deposited. And it is my
express desire, that my corpse may be interred in a private manner, without parade
or funeral oration.”

t The new vault is about three hundred yards southwest from the mansion, at the
foot of a slope, and the head of a ravine that extends to the shore of the Potomac.
The front of the tomb has an ante-chamber, built of red brick, about twelve feet in
height, with a large iron gateway. This was erected for the accommodation of two
marble coffins (one for Washington and the other for his wife), which stand within
the enclosure, in full view of the visiter. Over the gateway, upon a marble slab,
are the words : “ Within this enclosure rest the remains of General
George Washington.” Over the vault door, inside, are the words. “I am

THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE ,' HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME, THOUGH HE
WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE.”

440

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

the chief, the high authorities of the nation begged his
remains for public interment at the seat of the national
government. They were granted by the venerable relict,
conditioned that her own remains should be interred by
the side of her husband in the national tomb. This
memorable compact, so solemn in itself, is still in full
force and binding on the nation, inasmuch as no subse¬
quent authority could alter or annul it.

On the faith of this compact, Colonel Monroe, when
president of the United States, ordered two crypts or
vaults to be formed in the basement story of the centre
of the capitol for the reception of the remains of the
chief and his consort, agreeably to the arrangement of
1799, which vaults are untenanted to this day.

Surely it can not be denied that Mrs. Washington had
the right, the only right, to the disposal of the remains
of the chief, and by virtue of this right she granted them
to the prayer of the nation as expressed by its highest
authority.

On her deathbed the venerable lady called the author
of these Recollections, her grandson and executor, to her side,
and said, “Remember, Washington, to have my remains
placed in a leaden coffin, that they may be removed with
those of the general at the command of the government.”*

* On the thirteenth of February, 1832, Mr. Thomas, of Louisiana, from the joint
committee of the two houses, appointed to report on the subject of the Centennial
anniversary of the birthday of George Washington, reported the following reso¬
lution : —

“ Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America,
in Congress assembled, That the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of
Representatives be hereby authorized to make application to John A. Washington,
of Mount Vernon, for the body of George Washington to be removed and depos¬
ited in the Capitol, at Washington City, in conformity with the resolutions of Con¬
gress of the twenty-third December, 1799; and that, if they obtain the requisite
consent to the removal thereof, that they be further authorized to cause it to be

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

441

And yet we hear of the right of a state ! No one state
can appropriate to itself that which belongs to the whole.

removed and deposited in the Capitol, on the twenty-second day of February, 1832.”
The following is a copy of the resolutions referred to : —

“ Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of Amer¬
ica in Congress assembled, That a marble monument he erected by the United States,
in the Capitol, at the City of Washington, and that the family of Gen'eral Washing¬
ton be requested to permit his body to be deposited under it ; and that the monu¬
ment be so designed as to commemorate the great events of his military and political
life.

“ And be it further resolved, That the President of the United States be requested
to direct a copy of these resolutions to be transmitted to Mrs. Washington, assuring
her of the profound respect Congress will ever bear to her person and character ; of
their condolence on the late afflicting dispensation of Providence ; and entreating
her assent to the interment of the remains of General George Washington in the
manner expressed in the first resolution.”

In compliance with these resolutions, President Adams wrote a letter to Mrs.
Washington on the subject, and received the following reply : —

“Mount Vernon, December 31, 1799.

“ Sir : While I feel, with keenest anguish,, the late dispensation of Divine Provi¬
dence, I can not be insensible to the mournful tributes of respect and veneration
which are paid to the memory of my dear deceased husband ; and, as his best ser¬
vices and most anxious wishes were always devoted to the welfare and happiness
of his country, to know that they were truly appreciated and gratefully remembered
affords no inconsiderable consolation.

“ Taught by the great example which I have so long had before me, never to
oppose my private wishes to the public will, I must consent to the request made by
Congress, which you have had the goodness to transmit to me ; and, in doing this,
I need not, I can not, say what a sacrifice of individual feeling I make to a sense of
public duty.

“ With grateful acknowledgments, and unfeigned thanks for the personal respect
and evidences of condolence expressed by Congress and yourself, I remain, very
respectfully, sir, your most obedient humble servant,

“Martha Washington.”

President Adams transmitted her letter to Congress, accompanied by the follow¬
ing message : —

“ Gentlemen of the Senate, and Gentlemen of the House of Representatives :

“ In compliance with the request in one of the resolutions of Congress of the
23d of December last, I transmitted a copy of those resolutions, by my secretary,
Mr. Shaw, to Mrs. Washington, assuring her of the profound respect Congress will
ever bear to her person and character; of their condolence in the late afflicting dis¬
pensation of Providence ; and entreating her assent to the interment of the remains
of General George Washington in the manner expressed in the first resolution. As

442

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Of the glorious Old Thirteen, little Delaware has as much
right to the remains of the beloved Washington as either

the sentiments of that virtuous lady, not less beloved by this nation than she is at
present greatly afflicted, can never be so well expressed as in her own words, I
transmit to Congress her original letter.

“ It would be an attempt of too much delicacy to make any comments upon it ;
but there can be no doubt that the nation at large, as well as all the branches of the
government, will be highly gratified by any arrangement which may diminish the
sacrifices she makes of her individual feelings. John Adams.

“ United States, January 6. 1800.”

The resolutions appended to the report submitted by Mr. Thomas, on the thir¬
teenth of February, 1832, elicited a warm debate. Some of the members from
Virginia opposed the measure. Mr. McCoy declared that such removal would be
a violation of the sepulchre of the dead; and Mr. Coke desired the removal of the
precious remains to Richmond, the capital of Washington’s native state. In reply
to these, Edward Everett, of Massachusetts, remarked : —

“ But it is said, we are going to violate the repose of the dead ; to break into the
sepulchre, and rifle it of its precious deposite. Sir, do we do any such thing ? Shall
we not go to that venerated tomb with every possible warrant, both of authority and
delicacy ? Was not the consent of the consort of the Father of his Country obtained,
at a moment when her feelings were bleeding under the recent loss of the illustrious
partner of her life ? Fortified with her consent, deliberately given, and at that
moment, who shall question the right or the propriety of the procedure 1 Violate
the repose of the grave ! Sir, we are discharging toward that sacred depository a
most imperative duty. If there is one darker spot in the history of this Union than
another, it is that we have left so long unredeemed the solemn pledge, which was
given by the people of America, through their representatives here, in the first
moments of bereavement. Violate the repose of the dead ! Sir, we are going to pay
a tribute of respect to the ashes of the Father of his Country, such as the history of
the world can not match with a parallel. If this resolution is adopted, and on the
22d of February the remains of our beloved hero and patriot shall be removed from
Mount Vernon to this capitol, it will be a transaction of a character of extraordinary
solemnity, grandeur, and interest. Such a procession as will be formed to receive
these sacred remains — the multitudes of old and young — the constituted authorities
of the nation, the citizens of this district, and of the neighboring region, who shall
assemble to witness the awful spectacle of the remains of the Father of his Country,
on their way to their resting-place beneath the foundations of this capitol — all this,
sir, will constitute a transaction unexampled in the history of the world for its effects
on the minds and hearts of those who may take part in it or witness it. The gentle¬
man (Mr. Coke) was willing to open the sacred portals of that grave, and remove its
deposite, not indeed to this capitol, but to Richmond. Now, sir, I cheerfully admit,
that of the titles of Virginia to the respect and consideration of her sister states, it
is among the first that she is the parent of our Washington. But let her not forget,
that, though Washington was by birth a native of the colony of Virginia, he lived

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

443

of her larger sisters; for; though small in size, she was
great in value in “ the times that tried men’s souls,” and,
in proportion to her resources, furnished as much courage,
privation, and blood to the combats of liberty, as those

and died a citizen of the United States of America ; united more by his labors,
counsels, and sacrifices, than those of any other individual. The sacred remains
are, as the gentleman well said, a treasure beyond all price, but it is a treasure of
which every part of this blood-cemented Union has a right to claim its share.

“ The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. McCoy) asked, if we begin in this way,
where shall we end ? Sir, I wish it might even become more difficult to answer
that question. I wish it may even be hard to say, where shall we end with these
testimonials of respect paid to a worth like that of Washington. Be it, sir, that we
know not where we shall end. I know where we ought to begin, and that is, with
the man who was ‘ first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his country¬
men.’ Sir, I will begin with him. If, hereafter, another shall arise, who will live
like Washington, when he dies, let him be laid by his side.”

The resolution was adopted, and measures were immediately taken to carry it
into effect on the 22d of the same month, the one hundredth anniversary of the birth
of Washington, when it was shown, by records, that it was the distinct understand¬
ing between Mrs. Washington and President Adams, that her remains should accom¬
pany those of her husband, wherever the latter might lie. This reservation caused
the necessity of procuring the consent of other parties, and on the sixteenth of
February, on motion of Mr. Clay, the senate proceeded to the consideration of the
following joint resolution from the house : —

“Resolved, by the Senate and House of Representatives, That the President of the
Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives be hereby authorized to make
application to John A. Washington, of Mount Vernon, and to George W. P. Custis,
grandson of Mrs. Washington, for the remains of Martha Washington, to be
removed and deposited in the Capitol at Washington City, at the same time with
those of her late consort, George Washington, and if leave be obtained, to take
measures accordingly.”

This effort to have the remains of the illustrious citizen deposited beneath the
Capitol failed, and they are yet within the area marked out for them by that great
man while living, and where, among his kindred, according to the words of his Will,
no doubt it was his desire that they should for ever repose. Now that Mount Vernon,
through the efforts of patriotic wpmen, has become the property of the nation, every
American should rejoice that the remains of Washington have not been disturbed
Right glad are we that they are left alone,

- - “ To sleep for ever,

Till the trump that awakens the countless dead,

By the verdant bank of that rushing river,

Where first they pillowed his mighty head.”

444

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

that were far larger than she. From Long Island to
Eutaw, from the first to the last of the War for Indepen¬
dence, her banner was ever in the field, and ever floated
mid 66 the bravest of the brave.”

It is high time the subject of the remains, and the re¬
mains themselves, were at rest. Presuming that govern¬
ment should purchase Mount Vernon, and determine that
the ashes of the chief should there find lasting repose, we
would respectfully suggest that a sepulchre be erected on
the site of the ancient family vault, a magnificent location,
having an extensive view of the surrounding country and
of the noble Potomac that washes its base ; the massive
structure to be formed of white American marble, in
blocks each of a ton weight, a dome of copper, surmounted
by an eagle in bronze, a bronze door, and for inscription
two words only that will speak volumes to all time —
Pater Patrice. The key of the receptacle to be always
in custody of the president of the United States for the
time being. This done, and if done “ ’t were well it were
done quickly,” the Tomb of Washington would cease to
be a reproach among nations. The pilgrim from distant
lands, as he journeys through a mighty empire, with his
heart filled with veneration of the fame and memory of
America’s illustrious son, when he arrives at the national
Sepulchre, that casts its broad shadow over the Potomac’s
wave, will become awed by the solemn grandeur of the
spot. The American of generations yet to come will
behold, with filial reverence, the time-honored receptacle
that contains the ashes of the Father of his Country •
the enduring marble mellowed by age, and the inscrip¬
tion freshly preserved in never-dying bronze. Proud of
such a monument erected by the piety of his ancestors,

r/4C s/Af/le 0/r 0/r wsK//vGrort& /vorrs or So/u'rr, war /a/

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

445

the future American may exclaim, in the words of the
immortal bard —

“ Such honors Ilion to her hero paid,

And peaceful sleeps her mighty Hector’s shade.”

Another object claimed the attention of the chief dur¬
ing the last days at Mount Vernon — the complete sur¬
vey and remodelling of his farms, with a view to their
improvement. These surveys he made in person, the
calculations and estimates drawn out by his own hand ;
and, indeed, it was a rare spectacle to behold this vener¬
able man, who had obtained the very topmost height of
human greatness, carrying his own compass, the emblem
of the employments of his early days.*

* Allusion has already been made, in a note on page 156, to a facsimile of a rec¬
ord of one of Washington’s surveys, given in this volume. It was made in April,
1799, the last year of his life; and the land surveyed is that which he gave, by his
Will, to the author of these Recollections , situated “on Four-mile-Run, in the vicinity
of Alexandria, containing one thousand two hundred acres, more or less.” We
have on several occasions observed how methodical and careful Washington was in
all his business operations. His habit of committing every bargain, even the most
trivial, to writing, is well exemplified by the following curious document, which is
preserved among his papers. It appears that Philip Barter was in the habit of get¬
ting intoxicated too often, and hence the execution of the following bond : —

“Articles of agreement made this twelfth day of April, Anno Domini one thou¬
sand seven hundred and eighty-seven, by and between George Washington, Esq., of
the parish of Truro, in the county of Fairfax, state of Virginia, on the one part, and
Philip Barter, gardener, on the other. Witness, that the said Philip Barter, for and
in consideration of the covenants hereafter mentioned, doth promise and agree to
serve the said George Washington for the term of one year as a gardener, and that
he will during the said time, conduct himself soberly, diligently, and honestly ; that
lie will faithfully and industriously perform all and every part of his duty as a gar¬
dener, to the best of his knowledge and abilities, and that he will not at any time
suffer himself to be disguised with liquor except on times hereinafter mentioned.

“ In consideration of these things being well and duly performed on the part of
said Philip Barter, the said George Washington doth agree to allow him (the said
Philip) the same kind and quality of provisions he has heretofore had, and likewise,
annually, a decent suit of clothes, befitting a man in his station ; to consist of coat,
vest, and breeches ; a working-jacket and breeches of homespun, besides ; two white

446

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The venerable master on returning to his home, found,
indeed, many things to repair, with an ample field for
improvement before him. With a body and mind alike
sound and vigorous in their maturity, did he bend his
energies to the task, while the appearance of everything
gave proofs of the taste and energy in the improvements
that marked the last days at Mount Yernon.

Washington’s rides on his extensive estates, would be
from eight to twelve or fourteen miles ; he usually moved
at a moderate pace, passing through his fields and in¬
specting everything ; but when behind time, the most
punctual of men would display the horsemanship of his
better days, and a hard gallop bring him up to time, so
that the sound of his horse’s hoofs and the first dinner-
bell should be heard together at a quarter to three
o’clock.

Washington’s correspondence with Sir John Sinclair,*
and other eminent characters in Europe, gave a great
deal of information touching the improvements in agri¬
shirts ; three check, do ; two linen overalls ; as many pairs of shoes as are necessary
for him ; four dollars at Christmas, with which he may be drunk four days and four
nights ; two dollars at Easter to effect the same purpose ; two dollars at Whitsuntide
to be drunk for two days ; a dram in the morning, and a drink of grog at dinner at
noon.

“ For the true and faithful performance of all and each part of these things, the
parties have hereunto set their hands this twenty-third day of April, Anno Dotnini,
1787. his

“Philip Barter, X

“ Witness : mark.

“ George A. Washington, “ George Washington.

“ Tobias Lear.”

* Sir John Sinclair was an eminent Scotch baronet, and much interested in the
progress of the United States. In September, 1796, he wrote to Washington, mak¬
ing special and general inquiries respecting the soil and agriculture of the United
States, to which Washington replied, in a lengthy and very able letter, in December
following. A copy of that letter may be found, in Sparks’s Life and Writings of
Washington, xii. 323.

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

447

culture and domestic economy in the Old World. This
valuable information was carefully digested by the farmer
of Mount Y ernon, with a view to its adaptation to the
climate and resources of the United States. Nothing that
tended to public benefit was too vast to be undertaken
by this man of mighty labors. The whole of his public
as well as private career was marked by usefulness. His
aim was good to his country and mankind, and to effect
this desirable end, untiring were his energies and onward
his course as a public benefactor.

During the maritime war with France,* the armed
merchantmen that sailed from Alexandria would salute
on passing Mount Yernon. On the report of the first
gun, the general would leave his library, and, taking a
position in the portico that fronts the river, remain there
uncovered till the firing ceased.

And yet another salute awakened the echoes around
the shores of Mount Yernon ; another act of homage was
paid to the retired chief ; and this was the homage of the
heart, for it was paid by an old companion-in-arms, while
its echoes called up the memories of the past. A small
vessel would be seen to skim along the bosom of the
Potomac. Nearing the shore, the little craft furled her
sails, let go her anchor, and discharged a small piece of
ordnance ; then a boat put off and pulled to the shore,
and soon a messenger appeared, bearing a fine rock or

* Allusion has already been made to an expected war with France in the year
1798. There was no actual declaration of war, yet hostilities between the two
countries commenced on the ocean. The United States frigate Constellation, cap¬
tured the French frigate L’Insurgente, in February, 1799. That frigate had already
captured the American schooner Retaliation. On the first of February, 1800, the
Constellation had an action with the French frigate La Vengeance, but escaped cap¬
ture, after a loss of one hundred and sixty men in killed and wounded.

448

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

drum fish, with the compliments of Benjamin Grymes, who
resided some fifty miles down the river, and who was a
gallant officer of the Life-Guard in the War of the Be vo¬
lution.

Several of the most distinguished of the French emi¬
grants, some of them bringing letters from French offi¬
cers, who had served in the War for Independence, sought
in vain to be received by the first president. Among
these were the celebrated Talleyrand, the Due de Lian-
court, Louis Philippe, then Due d’ Orleans, and his two
brothers, Montpensier and Bojolais. The first president
adhered to his rule, that upon mature consideration he
had laid down for his government during the wars and
troubles of European nations, viz : Respect and considera*
tion for our own affairs , ivitli non-intervention in the affairs of
others.

Louis Philippe and brothers visited the retired chief
during the last days at Mount Vernon. The amiable Due
de Liancourt bore his reverse of fortune with great mag¬
nanimity. He used to say : “ In the days of my power
and affluence, under the ancient regime of France, I kept
fifty servants, and yet my coat was never as well brushed
as it is now, when I brush it myself.”

George Washington Lafayette, and his tutor and friend
M. Frestel, became members of the Mount Vernon family
during the last days. These estimable Frenchmen, driven
by persecution from their native country, found refuge
in America.

While reasons of state prevented Washington, as pres¬
ident, from receiving emigres , so soon as he became the
private citizen he warmly, joyfully welcomed to his heart
and his home the son of his old companion-in-arms, bid-

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

449

ding young Lafayette to consider George Washington as
a friend and father. The French gentlemen, from their
superior intelligence, together with their highly-accom¬
plished and amiable manners, endeared themselves to all
who knew them during their sojourn in the United
States. They remained members of the family of Mount
Vernon until a change in European affairs enabled them
to embark for their native land *

Many articles, both for useful and ornamental pur¬
poses, were forwarded to Mount Vernon from Philadel¬
phia; and that the retired chief was in full employment
upon his return to his ancient and beloved mansion, may
be gathered from the following extract of a letter to the
author of these Recollections , dated April third, 1797 : * We
are all in the midst of litter and dirt, occasioned by
joiners, masons, painters, and upholsterers, working in
the house, all parts of which, as well as the out-buildings,
are much out of repair.” Mount Vernon, it is known,
resembles a village, from there being some fourteen or
fifteen buildings detached from each other; and being
nearly all constructed of wood, it may well be supposed
that decay had made considerable progress, more especi¬
ally when the master’s absence during the War of the

* Young Lafayette and M. Frestel, arrived at Boston, at the close of the sum¬
mer of 1795. General Lafayette was then an exile, and in prison in Germany,
having fled from his country during the storm of the French Revolution. His
son came to America for refuge. He assumed the name of Motier, and resided for
awhile in seclusion, with his tutor, near New York. When, in March, 1797, Wash¬
ington retired from the presidency, and became a private citizen, he invited young
Lafayette to make Mount Vernon his home ; and the young gentleman accompanied
the illustrious friend of his father to that pleasant abode on the Potomac. General
Lafayette having been restored to liberty and his family, his son, with M. Frestel,
sailed for France, from New York, on the twenty-sixth of October, 1 797. A por¬
trait of young Lafayette, while a resident at Mount Vernon, may be found in a
work entitled. Mount Vernon and its Associations , New York, 1859.

450

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Revolution and the first presidency amounted to sixteen
years.

An event occurred on the twenty-second of February,
1799, that, while it created an unusual bustle in the an¬
cient halls, shed a bright gleam of sunshine on the last
days at Mount Vernon.* It was the marriage of Major
Lewis, a favorite nephew, with the adopted daughter of
the chief. It was the wish of the young bride that the
general of the armies of the United States should appear
in the splendidly embroidered uniform (the costume as¬
signed him by the board of general officers) in honor of
the bridal ; but alas, even the idea of wearing a costume
bedizzened with gold embroidery, had never entered the
mind of the chief, he being content with the old Conti¬
nental blue and buff, while the magnificent white plumes
presented to him by Major-General Pinckney he gave to
the bride, preferring the old Continental cocked hat, with
the plain black-ribbon cockade, a type of the brave old
days of ’76.

Washington’s great employment, and a constant stream
of company, gave him but little time to go abroad ; still,
he occasionally visited his old and long-remembered
friends in Alexandria. He attended a martial exhibition,
representing an invasion by the French, which ended in
an old-fashioned sham battle and the capture of the in¬
vaders. It was handsomely got up, Alexandria at that
time possessing a numerous and well-appointed military ;
and the whole went off with great eclat.

Among many interesting relics of the past, to be found
in the last days at Mount Vernon, was old Billy, the famed
body-servant of the commander-in-chief during the whole

* See page 44.

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

451

of the War of the Revolution. Of a stout athletic form,
he had from an accident become a cripple, and, having
lost the power of motion, took up the occupation of a
shoemaker for sake of employment. Billy carefully recon¬
noitred the visiters as they arrived, and when a military
title was announced, the old body-servant would send his
compliments to the soldier, requesting an interview at his
quarters. It was never denied, and Billy, after receiving
a warm grasp of the hand, would say, “Ah, colonel, glad
to see you ; we of the army don’t see one another often
in these peaceful times. Glad to see your honor looking
so well ; remember you at headquarters. The new-time
people don’t know what we old soldiers did and suffered
for the country in the old war. Was it not cold enough
at Yaliey Forge ? Yes, was it; and I am sure you re¬
member it was hot enough at Monmouth. Ah, colonel,
I am a poor cripple ; can’t ride now, so I make shoes and
think of the old times ; the gineral often stops his horse
here, to inquire if I want anything. I want for nothing,
thank God, but the use of my limbs.”

These interviews were frequent, as many veteran of¬
ficers called to pay their respects to the retired chief, and
all of them bestowed a token of remembrance upon the
old body-servant of the Revolution.*

It was in November of the last days that the general
visited Alexandria upon business, and dined with a few
friends at the City hotel. Gadsby, the most accomplished
of hosts, requested the general’s orders for dinner, pre-

* See note on page 157. One of Washington’s servants, named Cary, set free by
his master’s will, died in the Federal city, a few years ago, at the age of one hundred
and fourteen years. He used to appear at military parades, with an old military coat,
cocked hat, and huge cockade, presented to him by Washington. He was followed
to the grave by a large concourse of colored people.

452 RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

mising that there was good store of canvass-back ducks
in the larder. “ V ery good, sir,” replied the chief, “ give
us some of them, with a chafing-dish, some hommony, and
a bottle of good Madeira, and we shall not complain.”

No sooner was it known in town that the general would
stay to dinner, than the cry was for the parade of a new
company, called the Independent Blues, commanded by
Captain Peircy, an officer of the Revolution. The mer¬
chant closed his books, the mechanic laid by his tools, the
drum and fife went merrily round, and in the least pos¬
sible time the Blues had fallen into their ranks, and were
in full march for the headquarters.

Meantime the general had dined, and given his only
toast of “All our Friends ,” and finished his last glass of
wine, when an officer of the Blues was introduced, who
requested, in the name of Captain Peircy, that the com-
mander-in-chief would do the Blues the honor to witness
a parade of the corps. The general consented, and re¬
paired to the door of the hotel looking toward the public
square, accompanied by Colonel Fitzgerald, Dr. Craik, Mr.
Keith, Mr. Herbert, and several other gentlemen. The
troops went through many evolutions with great spirit,
and concluded by firing several volleys. When the parade
was ended, the general ordered the author of these Recol¬
lections to go to Captain Peircy, and express to him the
gratification which he, the general, experienced in the
very correct and soldierly evolutions, marchings, and fir¬
ings of the Independent Blues. Such commendation, from
such a source, it may well be supposed, was received with
no small delight by the young soldiers, who marched off
in fine spirits, and were soon afterward dismissed. Thus

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

453

mg the last military order issued in person by the Father
of his Country.

Washington ceased to be a sportsman after 1787, when
he gave up the hunting establishment. True, he bred the
blood horse, and a favorite colt of his, named Magnolia ,
was entered and ran for a purse ; but this was more to
encourage the breeding of fine horses than from any
attachment to the sports of the turf. All the time that
he could spare for active exercise in his latter days was
devoted to riding about his farm, and inspecting his im¬
provements. In this he was ably assisted by several of
his stewards and managers, who were Europeans, and who
had brought from their own countries habits of industry
and a knowledge of improved agriculture and rural af¬
fairs; so that, had the Farmer of Mount Yernon been
spared but a few years longer, his estate would have
exhibited a series of model farms, examples to neighbor¬
ing improvers and to the country at large.

Although much retired from the business w^orld, the
chief was by no means inattentive to the progress of
public affairs. When the post-bag arrived, he would select
the letters, and lay them by for perusal in the seclusion
of his library. The journals he would peruse while taking
his single cup of tea (his only supper), and would read
aloud passages of peculiar interest, making remarks upon
the same. These evenings with his family always ended
precisely at nine o'clock, when Washington bade every
one good night, and retired to rest, to rise again at four,
and to renew the same routine of labor and enjoyment
that distinguished his last days at Mount Yernon.

Washington’s last days, like those that preceded them
in the course of along and a well-spent life, were devoted

454

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

to constant and useful employment. After the active
exercise of the morning, in attention to agriculture and
rural affairs, in the evening came the post-bag, loaded
with letters, papers, and pamphlets. His correspondence
both at home and abroad was immense ; yet was it
promptly and fully replied to. No letter was unanswered.
One of the best-bred men of his time, Washington deemed
it a grave offence against the rules of good manners and
propriety to leave letters unanswered. He wrote with
great facility, and it would be a difficult matter to find
another, who had written so much, who had written so
well. His epistolary writings will descend to posterity,
as models of good taste, as well as exhibiting superior
powers of mind. General Henry Lee once observed to
the chief, “We are amazed, sir, at the vast amount of
work that you accomplish.” Washington replied, “Sir, I
rise at four o’clock, and a great deal of my work is done
while others are asleep.”

So punctual a man delighted in always having about
him a good timekeeper. In Philadelphia, the first presi¬
dent regularly walked up to his watchmaker’s ( Clarke, in
Second street) to compare his watch with the regulator.
At Mount Vernon the active yet always punctual farmer
invariably consulted the dial when returning from his
morning ride and before entering his house.

The affairs of the household took order from the mas¬
ter’s accurate and methodical arrangement of time. Even
the fisherman on the river watched for the cook’s signal
when to pull in shore, so as to deliver his scaly products
in time for dinner.

The establishment of Mount Vernon employed a perfect
army of servants ; yet to each one was assigned certain

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

455

special duties, and these were required to be strictly per¬
formed. Upon the extensive estate there was rigid dis¬
cipline, without severity. There could be no confusion
where all was order ; and the affairs of this vast concern,
embracing thousands of acres and hundreds of dependants,
were conducted with as much ease, method, and regular¬
ity, as the affairs of an ordinary homestead.

Mrs. Washington, an accomplished Virginia housewife
of the olden time, gave her constant attention to all mat¬
ters of her domestic household, and by her skill and supe¬
rior management greatly contributed to the comfortable
reception and entertainment of the crowds of guests
always to be found in the hospitable mansion of Mount
Vernon.

Upon Washington’s first retirement, in 1783, he became
convinced of the defective nature of the working animals
employed in the agriculture of the southern states, and
set about remedying the evil by the introduction of mules
instead of horses, the mule being found to live longer, be
less liable to disease, require less food, and in every respect
to be more serviceable and economical than the horse in
the agricultural labor of the southern states. Up to 1783,
scarcely any mules were to be found in the Union • a few
had been imported from the West Indies, but they were
of diminutive size and of little value. So soon as the
views on this subject of the illustrious farmer of Mount
Vernon were known abroad, he received a present from
the king of Spain of a jack and two jennies, selected from
the royal stud at Madrid. The jack, called the Royal Gift ,
was sixteen hands high, of a gray color, heavily made,
and of a sluggish disposition. At the same time, the Mar¬
quis de Lafayette sent out a jack and jennies from the

456

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

island of Malta ; this jack, called the Knight of Malta , was
a superb animal, black color, with the form of a stag and
the ferocity of a tiger. Washington availed himself of
the best qualities of the two jacks by crossing the breeds,
and hence obtained a favorite jack, called Compound ,
which animal united the size and strength of the Gift with
the high courage and activity of the Knight. The jacks
arrived at Mount Vernon, if we mistake not, early in 1788.
The general bred some very superior mules from his
coach mares, sending them from Philadelphia for the
purpose. In a few years the estate of Mount Vernon
became stocked with mules of a superior order, rising to
the height of sixteen hands, and of great power and use¬
fulness, one wagon team of four mules selling at the sale
of the general’s effects for eight hundred dollars.

Mount Vernon, in the olden time, was celebrated for
the luxuries of the table. The fields, the forest, and the
river, each in their respective seasons, furnished the most
abundant resources for good living. Among the pictur¬
esque objects on the Potomac to be seen from the eastern
portion of the mansion-house, was the light canoe of Father
Jack, the fisherman to the establishment. Father Jack was
an African negro, an hundred years of age, and, although
greatly enfeebled in body by such a vast weight of years,
his mind possessed uncommon vigor. And he would tell
of days long past, of Afric’s clime, and of Afric’s wars, in
which he (of course the son of a king) was made captive,
and of the terrible battle in which his royal sire was slain,
the village consigned to the flames, and he to the slave-
ship.

Father Jack possessed in an eminent degree the lead¬
ing quality of all his race — somnolency.. By looking

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

457

through a spy-glass, you would see the canoe fastened to
a stake, with the old fisherman, bent nearly double, enjoy¬
ing a nap, which was only disturbed by the hard jerking
of the white perch that became entangled by his hook.

But the slumbers of Father Jack were occasionally
attended by some inconvenience. The domestic duties
at Mount Vernon were governed by clock time. Now,
the cook required that the fish should be forthcoming at
a certain period, so that they might be served smoking
on the board precisely at three o’clock. He would repair
to the river bank, and make the accustomed signals ; but,
alas, there would be no response ; the old fisherman was
seen quietly reposing in his canoe, rocked by the gentle
undulations of the stream, and dreaming, no doubt, of
events “long time ago.” The unfortunate artiste of the
culinary department, grown furious by delay, would now
rush down to the water’s edge, and, by dint of loud shout¬
ing, would cause the canoe to turn its prow to the shore.
Father Jack, indignant at its being even supposed that
he was asleep upon his post, would rate those present on
his landing with, “ What you all meek such a debil of a
noise for, hey ; I wa’nt sleep, only noddin’.”

Poor Father Jack ! No more at early dawn will he be
seen, as with withered arms he paddled his light canoe on
the broad surface of the Potomac, to return with the finny
spoils, and boast of famous fish taken “ on his own hook.”
His canoe has long since rotted on the shore, his paddle
hangs idly in his cabin, his “ occupation ’s gone,” and Fa¬
ther Jack, the old fisherman of Mount Vernon, “ sleeps the
sleep that knows no waking.”

A hunter, too, was attached to the household establish¬
ment. Tom Davis and his great Newfoundland dog, Gamier ,

458

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

were as important characters in the department for fur¬
nishing game and wild fowl as Father Jack in that of
fish. So vast were the numbers of the canvas-back duck
on the Potomac in the ancient time, that a single discharge
of Tom Davis’s old British musket would procure as many
of those delicious birds as would supply the larder for a
week.

The year 1799 was in its last month. Washington had
nearly completed his sixty-eighth year. The century was
fast drawing to a close, and with it the great man’s life.
Yet the winter of his age had shed its snows so kindly
upon him as to mellow without impairing his faculties,
either physical or mental, and to give fair promise of
additional length of days.

Nor was Washington unmindful of the sure progress of
time, and of his liability to be called at any moment to
“ that bourne from which no traveller returns.” He had
for years kept a Will by him, and, after mature reflection,
had so disposed of his large property as to be satisfactory
to himself and to the many who were so fortunate and
happy as to share in his testamentary remembrance.*

In the last days at Mount Vernon, desirous of riding
pleasantly, the general procured from the North two
horses of the Narraganset breed, celebrated as saddle
horses. They were well to look at, and were pleasantly
gaited under the saddle, hut were scary, and therefore
unfitted for the service of one who liked to ride quietly
on his farm, occasionally dismounting and walking in his
fields, to inspect his improvements. From one of these

* Washington’s Will was drawn by himself, and is entirely in his own handwrit¬
ing. It bears the date of July 9th, 1799, and at the bottom of each page his name is
written.

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

459

horses the general sustained a heavy fall — probably the
only fall he ever had from a horse in his life. It was in
November, late in the evening. The general, accompanied
by Major Lewis, Mr. Peake (a gentleman residing in the
neighborhood), the author of these Recollections , and a
groom, were returning from Alexandria to Mount Y ernon.
Having halted for a few moments, the general dismounted,
and upon rising in his stirrup again, the Narraganset,
alarmed at the glare from a fire near the road-side, sprang
from under his rider, who came heavily to the ground.
Our saddles were empty in an instant, and we rushed to
give our assistance, fearing he was hurt. It was unneces¬
sary. The vigorous old man was upon his feet again,
brushing the dust from his clothes ; and, after thanking
us for our prompt assistance, observed that he was not
hurt, that he had had a very complete tumble, and that
it was owing to a cause that no horseman could well avoid
or control ; that he was only poised in his stirrup, and had
not yet gained his saddle, when the scary animal sprang
from under him. Meantime, all our horses had gone off
at full speed. It was night, and over four miles were to
be won ere we could reach 6ur destination. The chief
observed, that, as our horses had disappeared, it only re¬
mained for us to take it on foot, and with manly strides
led the wray. We had proceeded but a short distance on
our march, as dismounted cavaliers, when our horses hove
in sight. Happily for us, some of the servants of Mr.
Peake, whose plantation was hard by, in returning home
from their labor, encountered our flying steeds, captured
them, and brought them to us. We were speedily re¬
mounted, and soon the lights at Mount Y ernon were seen
glimmering in the distance.

460

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The sentinel placed on the watch-tower by Fate to
guard the destinies of Washington, might have cried.
“All ’s well !” during the last days at Mount Yernon. All
was well. All things glided gently and prosperously down
the stream of time, and all was progressive. Two blades
of grass had been made to “ grow where but one grew
before,” and a garden “ bloomed where flowers had once
grown wild.”

The best charities of life were gathered around the
Pater Patrice in the last days at Mount Yernon. The love
and veneration of a whole people for his illustrious services;
his generous and untiring labors in the cause of public
utility; his kindly demeanor to his family circle, his friends,
and numerous dependants ; his courteous and cordial hos¬
pitality to his guests, many of them strangers from far
distant lands ; these charities, all of which sprung from the
heart, were the ornament of his declining years, and gave
benignant radiance to his setting sun; and that scene,
the most sublime in nature, where human greatness re¬
poses on the bosom of human happiness, was to be admired
on the banks of the Potomac in the last days at Mount
Yernon.*

* A German gentleman in 1858, then eighty-four years of age, wrote as follows
concerning pictures of the Washington family, which hung in his hall : “ They
vividly call to my mind the day — the proudest day of my life — that I passed upon
the beautiful banks of the Potomac, in the family of the best and greatest personage
that the world has ever produced. It was in May, 1798, now nearly sixty-one years
ago. I was seated at his right hand at dinner, and I recollect as distinctly his ma-
estic bearing as if it were yesterday. Though of mortality, his overpowering pres¬
ence inspired an impression that he belonged to immortality. His stateliness, his
erene face, the perfect simplicity of his manners, his modest demeanor, and the
words of wisdom which he uttered, led me irresistibly to the belief that he was an
emanation from the Omnipotent, for the marvellous work that he had just then con¬
summated. It was my good fortune to contemplate him in his retirement — after
he had left nothing undone that he could perform for the republic of his creation,

THE RETIRED PRESIDENT.

461

It pleased Providence to permit the beloved Washing¬
ton to live to witness the fruition of his mighty labors in
the cause of his country and mankind, while his success
in the calm and honored pursuits of agriculture and
rural affairs was grateful to his heart, and shed the most
benign and happy influence upon the last days at Mount
Yernon.

and after he had quitted office for ever ! What a privilege I enjoyed in being his
welcome guest ! Of the 240,000,000 of people in Europe, I imagine I am the only
person, since the death of Lafayette, who was so favored as to break bread and take
wine with Washington at his own table.”

462

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XXIII.

OUTLINE LIFE-PICTURES.*

Recollections of Mount Vernon— Washington going out to the Wars — His Services in
toe French and Indian Wars — Battle of toe Monongahela — Washington a Bride¬
groom and Farmer — Goes to the First Congress — Appointed to the Chief Command
of toe Armies of the United States — Visits Mount Vernon in 1781 — Retirement from
the Army — Visiters at Mount Vernon — Constitutional Convention — Secretary
Thomson at Mount Vernon — Washington drawn from his Retirement to become Chief
Magistrate of the Republic — His Final Retirement to Private Life — Appointed
Commander-in-Chief of the Provisional Army — Anecdote — Washington’s Caution
— His Death.

How many and what glorious recollections crowd upon
the mind at the mention of Mount Y ernon ! It is a name
that will be hallowed to all time, and the foot of the pil¬
grim journeying from all nations will continue to press
the turf around the sepulchre where rest the ashes of the
Father of his Country. The associations in the history
of this venerated spot, with those in the history of the
life and actions of its departed master, will ever cause
Mount Yernon to be “ freshly remembered.” These as¬
sociations began with the early life of Washington, and
ended only with his last days on earth. Mount Yernon
was the home of his youth, the retreat of his advanced
age, the spot that he most loved, and to which he so
often retired to find repose from the cares and anxieties
of public affairs. He never left it but with regret. He
always returned to it with joy. Could the old halls of

* First published in the National Intelligencer , on the fourth of July, 1850.

OUTLINE LIFE-PICTURES.

463

the ancient mansion exhibit a tableau vivant of the char¬
acters that have been their inmates in by-gone days, what
a long and imposing list of patriots, statesmen, and war¬
riors would appear to our admiring gaze, to adorn the
scenes and memories of the past! Let us endeavor to
sketch a few outlines.

Our tableau opens in 1753, when Washington crosses
the threshold of Mount Yernon to enter upon that great
theatre of life on which he was destined to play so illus¬
trious a part. His achievement in penetrating the wil¬
derness, and successful accomplishment of the important
objects of his mission, amid dangers and difficulties the
most appalling, introduced him to the favorable notice
of the colonial authorities, who, in 1754, intrusted the
young Virginian with the defence of the frontier of his
native colony,* where, after a gallant conflict with the
enemy, he resigned his commission and retired to
Mount Yernon. But he was not permitted long to en¬
joy the pleasures of its peaceful shades; for, his martial
reputation having attracted the notice of General Brad-
dock, the provincial soldier, in 1755, was requested by the
British veteran to accompany the latter in the ill-fated
expedition to Fort Duquesne.

Our tableau now gives a perspective view of the mem¬
orable ninth of July, and the field of the Monongahela,
where a youthful hero gathers his first laurels amid the
fury of the fight, and where his high and chivalric daring
caused “the wild untutored savage” to hail the last
mounted officer on the field of Monongahela, as “ the
chosen of the great spirit, the warrior who could not die
in battle.”f

* See note on page 159.

t See note on page 158.

464

EEC OLLECTION S OF WASHINGTON.

At the close of the Seven Years’ War, the provincial
colonel again becomes a private citizen, and returns to
Mount Vernon to await the call of destiny.

It is 1759, and our tableau exhibits a gay and joyous
scene, while the old halls ring again with the reception
of a bridal party, and Washington enters Mount Vernon
a prosperous and happy bridegroom. The gallant and
distinguished soldier now lays aside the “ pomp and cir¬
cumstance of glorious war,” and many years glide hap¬
pily along, amid the delights of domestic felicity, the
society of family and friends, and the employments of
agriculture and rural affairs, when our tableau changes to
1774. The colonial troubles have commenced, and we
behold the arrival of two distinguished personages at
Mount V ernon, Patrick Henry and Edmund Pendleton.
The object of their visit is to accompany Washington to
the first Congress, where the soldier had been called by
the voice of his country, to change the duties of the field
for those of the senate-house.*

In 1775, while serving as a member of the first Con¬
gress, Washington is appointed to command in chief the
armies of the colonies, then assembling to do battle for
the rights and liberties of unborn generations. He obeys
the call of destiny and his country ; and for six eventful
years, big with the fate of liberty and an empire, his
home is in the tented field. j*

Now, 1781, our tableau shows the long-deserted halls

* Washington was chosen delegate to represent Virginia in the First Conti¬
nental Congress, which assembled at Philadelphia, on the fifth of September,
1774. He was accompanied on his journey from Mount Vernon to Philadelphia,
on that occasion, by Patrick Henry and Edmund Pendleton. Richard Henry Lee
expected to join them at Mount Vernon, but was detained at home,
t See note on page 134.

OUTLINE LIFE-PICTURES.

465

of Mount Vernon to be animated by the presence of the
commander-in-chief of the combined armies of America
and France, accompanied by the Count de Eochambeau
and a brilliant suite, who halt but for a single day, en
route for Yorktown.*

Again our tableau changes, and introduces us, in 1783,
to happier scenes. The war has ended ; its storms have
passed away, and the sunshine of peace sheds its benign
influences upon an infant nation, a free and independent
people.^ Annapolis has witnessed a sublime spectacle,
and Washington, having resigned his commission, and
“ taken leave of the employments of public life,” hastens
to his beloved retirement, and never in this great man’s
long and glorious career did he experience so pure, so
enviable a delight, as when merging the victorious gen¬
eral into the illustrious farmer of Mount V ernon.

Our tableau now teems with characters. In the old
halls of Mount V ernon are assembled chosen spirits, from
the wise, the good, and brave of both hemispheres, who
have journeyed from distant homes, to pay the homage
of their hearts to the hero of the age in the retirement
of a private citizen. Conspicuous amid this honored
group is the good and gallant Lafayette, who, supposing
in 1784 J that he was about to bid adieu to America for

* Washington arrived at Mount Vernon on the ninth of September. The next
day Eochambeau and Chastelleux, with their respective suites, arrived. On the
eleventh, Washington presided at a dinner-party, under his own roof, and on the
twelfth, all departed for Williamsburg. Washington was accompanied by John
Parke Custis, father of the author of these Recollections, as his aid. They arrived at
Williamsburg on the evening of the fourteenth.

t See note on page 370.

t Lafayette came to America in the summer of 1784. After remaining a few days
in New York, he hastened to Mount Vernon, where he remained almost a fortnight.
He again visited the illustrious farmer on the Potomac, just before leaving America,
in November following.

466

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

the last time, had hastened to Mount Vernon to pay his
parting respects to the man who, of all men, he most
loved and admired.

The retired chief receives his guests with that kindli¬
ness and hospitality for which Mount Vernon was always
distinguished, while his early rising, his industrious and
methodical habits of life, his horsemanship in the chase,
his minute attention to all matters, and the improve¬
ment of his domain, elicited the warmest encomium and
admiration of those who, in the old time of day, had the
good fortune to visit Washington on his farm.

From the unalloyed happiness in which four years
were now passed in the employments of agriculture, in
social and domestic intercourse, occasionally varied by
the pleasures of the chase, this period in the life of the
Pater Patrice may truly be said to have been the one in
which all his ways were “ ways of pleasantness, and all
his paths were peace.”

Our tableau changes to 1787, when his country calls
upon her chosen son to leave the tranquil shades of
Mount Vernon to take a prominent part in the mo¬
mentous events of the times. The old confederation is
ended ; a new government is to be formed ; confusion is
to be succeeded by order. The convention assembles, and
that immortal constitutional charter, that millions of free¬
men have since so happily enjoyed, received its first
signature from the hand of George Washington.*

From this date a young and glorious empire dawned
upon the world. Conceived in the purity of republican
freedom, founded on the basis of equal rights and equal
laws, the great and renowned of the land formed this

* See note on page 381.

OUTLINE LIFE-PICTURES.

467

masterwork of virtue ; and patriotism might well expect
that it would endure for centuries, till grown hoary by
time, and from the decline of public virtue it should ex¬
perience the fate of nations, when, from the extent and
magnificence of its ruins, futurity might read the story
of its rise, its grandeur, and its fall.

Our tableau exhibits, in 1789, important and touching
events in the history of Mount Vernon. A special envoy
arrives in the person of Mr. Secretary Thomson, a signer
of the Declaration of Independence, and a genuine type
of the brave old days of ’76. Scarcely is he received with
the warmest welcome, when he declares the object of
his mission : That he is charged, by the Congress then
assembled in New York, with the grateful duty of an¬
nouncing to George Washington, a private citizen, his
election to the presidency of the United States of Amer¬
ica/1'

The recipient of this highest, this proudest dignity
that can ever be conferred on man, was by no means un¬
prepared for its announcement by the venerable ambas¬
sador. From the period of the ratification of the Con¬
stitution by the states, every mail from every part of the
Union brought letters to Mount Yernon, all praying the
retired chief to yield to the united wishes of the people
to accept the highest dignity in their power to bestow.
In vain did the happy farmer of Mount Yernon plead
that advanced age and long services needed repose.
Many of his old and much-loved companions-in-arms
gathered around him affectionately, saying, "We feel as¬
sured that you can not, that you will not, refuse the
wishes of a whole people ; your honored name is heard

* See note on page .383.

468 RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

from every lip, while in every heart there dwells but one
sentiment : Washington , chief magistrate of the Republic .”

The newly-chosen president was deeply affected by
this generous, this universal testimonial of the love and
attachment of his countrymen. The people triumphed !
The man of the people yielded to the will of the people.
A day or two sufficed for preparation for departure. A
sigh to the fond memories of home and happy days of
retirement, and the first president of the United States
bade adieu to Mount Vernon. For eight years silence
reigned in the ancient halls, when, in 1797, they again
teem with animation. The long-absent master returns.
Time has blanched his locks, and traced its furrows on
his noble brow, but his manly form is still erect ; ay,
with lightsome step and joyous heart he once more en¬
ters the portals of his beloved Mount Vernon.

Our tableau having exhibited the changing events in
the history of Mount Vernon for forty-six years, in its
closing scene portrays the aged chief in his last retire¬
ment. His days are numbered, his glorious race is nearly
run, yet, when invasion threatens, he obeys the last call
of his country, and is again in arms, her general and pro¬
tector.*

When Washington was appointed to his last command
in the armies of his country, his acceptance was accom¬
panied by an intimation that he should remain in his be¬
loved retirement of Mount V ernon, till imperious circum¬
stances should call him to the field. The commander-in¬
chief gave the necessary attention to military duties
through his private secretary, while himself continued
the occupations of rural affairs.

* See note on page 327.

OUTLINE LIFE-PICTURES.

469

A number of the principal characters in the United
States were desirous that their sons should make a first
essay in arms under the immediate auspices of the ven¬
erable chief. Among these was the Hon. Charles Carroll,
of Carrollton, for whom Washington ever entertained the
very warmest political as well as personal attachment
and esteem. To Mr. Carroll’s application, the general
replied, that as it was his firm resolve, in case the enemy
effected a landing, to meet them on the very threshold
of the empire, he should, in such an event, require about
his person, officers of tried knowledge and experience in
war; but with a view to gratify Mr. Carroll, his son
should be received as an extra aid-de-camp.

Among the applicants of a more veteran stamp, was
Colonel H., of Richmond, one of that band of ardent and
youthful chivalry, which Virginia sent to the War for In¬
dependence in the very dawn of the Revolution. Col¬
onel H. was lieutenant of Morgan’s famed corps of Rifle¬
men, which performed the memorable march across the
wintry wilderness of the Kennebec in 1775. During
that display of almost superhuman privation and toil,
and in the subsequent assault on Quebec, he displayed
a hardihood of character, and heroism of heart, that
won for him the admiration of his comrades, and es¬
teem of their intrepid commander ; and elicited a cog¬
nomen, that a Ney might have been proud to deserve —
“ The most daring of all vjho dare .” Morgan, himself,
bred in the hardy school of the frontier and Indian
warfare, declared of Colonel H. — “ He exceeds all men.
During the greatest horrors of our march, when the
bravest fainted and fell from exhaustion and despon¬
dency, it was he who cheered us on, for oft have I seen

470

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

him dance upon the snow , ivhile he gnawed his moccasins for
subsistence.”

Yet even to the application of such a soldier, did the
ever cautious mind of Washington pause, while he
weighed in the balance not the past, hut the present
merits of the man. The general wrote to his nephew,
then in Richmond, to this effect : (< Colonel H. has applied
to become a member of my military family. In the War
of the Revolution I knew him well ; and of a truth he
was then all that could be desired in a good and gallant
officer, and estimable man ; but time, my dear Bushrod,*
often changes men as well as things. Now, the object
of this letter is to inquire whether the habits of Colonel H.
are unaltered, and whether I shall find him now what I
knew him to be in other days” The answer to this let¬
ter was most satisfactory. Colonel H. was the same,
good, gallant, and estimable. The chief was content, and
quickly marked him for promotion.

What a moral does this little private memoir impress
upon those who are high in authority, upon whose knowl¬
edge and judgment of men and things, so often depend
the destinies of nations ! How careful should chiefs be,
in the choice of their subordinates, to weigh well in the
balance the present as well as the past merits of appli¬
cants for office, lest, as in the words of the venerated
Washington, “ Time, which changes men as well as things”

* Bushrod Washington, son of the general’s brother John Augustine. His profes¬
sion was the law; and in 1798, President Adams appointed him a judge of the su¬
preme court of the United States, an office which he held until his death. He was
the first president of the American Colonization Society. On the death of General
Washington he inherited the estate of Mount Vernon, and the general’s books and
papers. He died at Philadelphia on the twenty-sixth of November, 1829, at the age
of seventy years. His remains are in the family vault at Mount Vernon, and near
it is a fine white marble obelisk erected to his memory.

OUTLINE LIFE-PICTURES.

471

may have rendered them unworthy of being “ marked
for promotion.”

After a long and unexampled career of glory in the
service of his country and mankind, well stricken in
years and laden with honors, in his own beloved Mount
Vernon, with the fortitude and resignation befitting the
Kornan fame of his life and actions, the Pater Patriae
yielded up his soul to Him who gave it, calmly declaring,
“ I am not afraid to die.”

Our tableau vivant closes with the grandeur and solem¬
nity of the spectacle that bore him to his grave.

172

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XXTY.

LAST HOURS OF WASHINGTON.

Last Survivor of the Death-Scene— Washington Exposed to a Storm — Symptoms of
Sickness — The Succeeding Evening late in his Library — Characteristic Eemark
to Mrs. Washington— Sleeplessness— Alarm — Physicians sent for — Doctor Craik
— Severity of the Illness — Calls for his Will — Directions about his Body — A
Scriptural Custom Observed — Why no Clergyman was at the Death-bed of Wash¬
ington — Mrs. Washington’s Secret Prayers — The Closing Scene.

Twenty-eight years have passed since an interesting
group were assembled in the death room, and witnessed
the last hours of Washington.* So keen and unsparing
hath been the scythe of time, that of all those who
watched over the patriarch’s couch, on the thirteenth
and fourteenth of December, 1799, but a single person¬
age survives.*)*

On the morning of the thirteenth, the general was en¬
gaged in making some improvements in the front of
Mount Vernon. J As was usual with him, he carried his

* This was first published in the National Intelligencer, in February, 1827.
t The persons here alluded to were, Mrs. Washington, Christopher, a favorite
house-servant who attended upon the master, Colonel Tobias Lear, Mrs. Forbes, the
housekeeper, Mr. Albert Rawlins, Drs. Craik, Brown, and Dick, and Caroline,
Molly, and Charlotte, three of the house-servants. Mrs. Lewis (Eleanor Parke Custis)
was confined, by childbirth, to an upper chamber, and her husband and the author
of these Recollections, were absent in New Kent. Who the survivor was, to whom
the author alludes, can not now be determined.

| Colonel Tobias Lear, a talented and educated gentleman, who resided many
years with Washington, first as secretary, and afterwards as superintendent of his
private affairs, wrote, immediately after the death of the patriot, a circumstantial

LAST HOURS OF WASHINGTON.

473

own compass, noted his observations, and marked out the
ground. The day became rainy, with sleet, and the im¬
prover remained so long exposed to the inclemency of
the weather as to be considerably wetted before his re¬
turn to the house. About one o’clock he was seized with
chilliness and nausea, but having changed his clothes, he
sat down to his in-door work — there being no moment
of his time for which he had not provided an appropriate
employment.

At night on joining his family circle, the general com¬
plained of a slight indisposition, and after a single cup of
tea, repaired to his library, where he remained writing
until between eleven and twelve o’clock.* Mrs. Wash¬
ington retired about the usual family hour, but becoming
alarmed at not hearing the accustomed sound of the li¬
brary door as it closed for the night, and gave signal for
rest in the well-regulated mansion, she rose again, and
continued sitting up, in much anxiety and suspense. At
length the well-known step was heard on the stair, and
upon the general’s entering his chamber, the lady chided
him for staying up so late, knowing him to be unwell, to
which Washington made this memorably reply : “I came
so soon as my business was accomplished. You well

account of the scenes at his departure. He was present during his illness and at
his death, and above all others was most competent to give a correct narrative. His
account, much more minute than Mr. Custis’s, agrees substantially with the more
concise narrative in this chapter. It may be found in the Life and Writings of
Washington, by Jared Sparks, i. 555.

* Mr. Lear says, “ that in the evening the papers were brought from the post-
office, and the family remained in the parlor until nine o’clock, when Mrs. Wash¬
ington went up to Mrs. Lewis’s room. After that he and the general read. Wash¬
ington was quite hoarse ; and when he left, as Lear supposed, for the night, the
latter observed to the general, that he had better take something for his cold.
Washington replied, “No ; you know I never take anything for a cold — let it go
as it came.”

474

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

know that through a long life, it has been my unvaried
rule, never to put off till the morrow the duties which
should be performed to-day.”

Having first covered the fire with care, the man of
mighty labors sought repose ; but it came not, as it long
had been wont to do, to comfort and restore after the
many and earnest occupations of the well-spent day.
The night was passed in feverish restlessness and pain.
“ Tired nature’s sweet restorer, balmy sleep,” was destined
no more to visit his couch ; yet the manly sufferer utter¬
ed no complaint, would permit no one to be disturbed in
their rest, on his account, and it was only at daybreak
he would consent that the overseer might he called in,
and bleeding resorted to. A vein was opened, but no
relief afforded. Couriers were despatched to Dr. Craik,*

* Doctor James Craik was born at Abigland, near Dumfries, Scotland, in 1730,
and at about that time, John Paul, the father of John Paul Jones, was the gardener
of Dr. Craik’s father. Dr. Craik came to America in 1750. He had practised his
profession a short time in the West Indies. He settled in Virginia ; and on the
seventh of March, 1754, he was commissioned a surgeon in Colonel Pry’s regiment,
which was commanded by Washington on the death of that officer. He served in
the provincial army during a greater portion of the French and Indian war. At
that time his home was in Winchester, Virginia. He was married in December,
1760. In 1770 he accompanied Washington to the Ohio, and then it was that the
scene of the Indian Prophecy occurred, which is cited in chapter xi. of this work.
He afterwards settled near Port Tobacco, Charles county, Maryland, where he built
a fine house, but by the persuasion of Washington, he removed to Alexandria. In
1777, Dr. Craik was appointed assistant^director-general in the hospital department
of the continental army. He continued to reside in Alexandria, until old age caused
him to relinquish the practice of his profession, when he retired to Vaucluse, a part
of the Ravensworth estate, where he died in February, 1814, at the age of eighty-four
years. His wife died a few months afterward, at the age of seventy-four. Dr.
Craik had nine children — six sons and three daughters. His eldest son, William,
was a representative in Congress from 1796 to 1801, when he was appointed judge of
the federal court. He and the author of these Recollections married sisters, the
daughters of William Fitzhugh, of Chatham, Virginia. His younger son, George
Washington, born in 1774, was President Washington’s private secretary.

Dr. Craik was vigorous and active until the last. His grandson, Rev. James

LAST HOURS OF WASHINGTON.

475

the family,* and Drs. Dick and Brown, f the consulting
physicians, all of whom came with speed. The proper
remedies were administered, but without producing their
healing effects ; while the patient, yielding to the anxious
looks of all around him, wraived his usual , objections to
medicines, and took those which were prescribed without
hesitation or remark. The medical gentlemen spared
not their skill, and all the resources of their art were ex¬
hausted in unwearied endeavors to preserve this noblest
work of nature.

The night approached — the last night of Washington.
The weather became severely cold while the group gath¬
ered nearer to the couch of the sufferer, watching with
intense anxiety for the slightest dawning of hope. He
spoke but little. To the respectful and affectionate in
quiries of an old family servant, as she smoothed down
his pillow, how he felt himself, he answered, “ I am very
ill.” To Dr. Craik, his earliest companion-in-arms, longest
tried and bosom friend, he observed, “I am dying, sir —
but am not afraid to die.” To Mrs. Washington he said,
“ Go to my desk, and in the private drawer you will find
two papers — bring them to me.” They were brought.

Craik, of Louisville, Kentucky, from whom I received the foregoing facts, says : “ He
was a stout, thick-set man, perfectly erect, no stoop of the shoulders, and no appear¬
ance of debility in his carriage. Not long before his death he ran a race with me
(then about eight years old), in the front yard of the house, at Vaucluse, before the
assembled family.” A profile of Dr. Craik, in Silhoutte, may be found in a work,
by the author of these notes, entitled Mount Vernon and its Associations.

* These were Mrs. Law and Mrs. Peter, and their husbands, the grandchildren of
Mrs. Washington ; also her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Stuart. None of them arrived
before Washington’s death.

t These vrere neighboring physicians. Dr. Craik had advised Washington to
send for Dr. Brown, of Port Tobacco, in the event of severe illness in his family
during the absence of Dr. Craik. Dr. Elisha C. Dick was generally the consulting
physician with Dr. Craik.

^ If1', WWv* w*™ -

476

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

He continued — “ These are my Wills — preserve this one
and burn the other/’ which was accordingly done. Call¬
ing to Colonel Lear, he directed — “ Let my corpse be kept
for the usual period of three days.”*

The custom of keeping the dead for the scriptural
period of three days, is derived from remote antiquity,
and arose, not from fear of premature interment, as in
more modern times, but from motives of veneration
toward the deceased; for -the better enabling the rela¬
tives and friends to assemble from a distance, to perform
the funeral rites ; for the pious watchings of the corpse ;
and for many sad, yet endearing ceremonies with which
we delight to pay our last duties to the remains of those
we loved.

The patient bore his acute sufferings with fortitude
and perfect resignation to the Divine will, while as the
night advanced it became evident that he was sinking,
and he seemed fully aware that “ his hour was nigh.”
He inquired the time, and was answered a few minutes
to ten. He spoke no more — the hand of death was
upon him, and he was conscious that 66 his hour was come.”
With surprising self-possession he prepared to die. Com¬
posing his form at length, and folding his arms on his
bosom, without a sigh, without a groan, the Father of his
Country died. No pang or struggle told when the no¬
ble spirit took its noiseless flight -while so tranquil

* “ At length,” he said, “I am just going. Have me decently buried ; and do
not let my body be put into the vault in less than three days after I am dead.” —
Mr. Lear’s statement.

t “ Dr. Craik,” says Mr. Lear, “ put his hands over his eyes, and he expired
without a struggle or a sigh. While we were fixed in silent grief,” he continues,
“ Mrs. Washington, who was sitting at the foot of the bed, asked, with a firm and
collected voice, ‘ Is he gone V I could not speak, but held up my hand as a signal,

LAST HOURS OF WASHINGTON.

477

appeared the manly features in the repose of death, that
some moments had passed ere those around could believe
that the patriarch was no more.

It may be asked, Why was the ministry of religion
wanting to shed its peaceful and benign lustre upon the
last hours of Washington? Why was he, to whom the
observances of sacred things were ever primary duties
throughout life, without their consolations in his last mo¬
ments? We answer, circumstances did not permit. It
was but for a little while that the disease assumed so
threatening a character as to forbid the encouragement
of hope ; yet, to stay that summons which none may re¬
fuse, to give still farther length of days to him whose
“ time-honored life” was so dear to mankind, prayer was
not wanting to the throne of Grace. Close to the couch
of the sufferer, resting her head upon that ancient book,
with which she had been wont to hold pious communion
a portion of every day, for more than half a century, was
the venerable consort, absorbed in silent prayer, and
from which she only arose when the mourning group
prepared to lead her from the chamber of the dead.
Such were the last hours of Washington.*

that he was no more. ‘ ’Tis well/ said she, in the same voice, ‘ all is now over ; I
shall soon follow him ; I have no more trials to pass through.’ ”

* Washington died on Saturday night, the fourteenth of December, 1799, between
the hours of ten and eleven. On Sunday a coffin was procured from Alexandria,
and on the same day several of the family arrived. The coffin was made of ma¬
hogany, lined with lead, and upon it was placed at the head, an ornament inscribed
Surge ad Judicium; about the middle of the coffin, Gloria Deo ; and on a small
silver plate, in the form of the American shield, were the words :

GEORGE WASHINGTON,

BORN FEB. 22, 1732.

DIED DECEMBER 14, T799.

The time for the funeral was fixed on Wednesday the eighteenth, at twelve o’clock,
and the Rev. Mr. Davis was invited to perform the funeral services, according to the

478

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

ritual of the Protestant Episcopal church. The family having been informed that
the military and Freemasons of Alexandria desired to participate in the ceremonies,
arrangements were made accordingly. People began to collect at Mount Vernon
at eleven o’clock ; but as a great part of the troops did not get down from Alexan¬
dria in time, the ceremonies were postponed until three. Eleven pieces of artillery
were brought down from Alexandria ; and a schooner belonging to Mr. Robert Ham¬
ilton, of that city, lay off Mount Vernon, and fired minute-guns.

The arrangements of the procession were made by Colonels Little, Simms, Den-
eale, and Dr. Dick. It moved at three o’clock. The pall-bearers were Colonels
Little, Simms, Payne, Gilpin, Ramsay, and Marsleter. Colonel Blackburn pre¬
ceded the corpse. Colonel Deneale marched with the military. The procession
moved out through the gate at the left wing of the house, and proceeded round in
front of the lawn, and down to the vault on the right wing of the house. The fol¬
lowing was the composition and order of the procession : —

The troops, horse and foot.

The clergy, namely, the Rev. Messrs. Davis, Muir, Moffat, and Addison.

The general’s horse, with his saddle, holsters, and pistols, led by two grooms,
Cyrus, and Wilson, in black.

The body, borne by the Freemasons and officers.

Principal mourners, namely,

Mrs. Stuart and Mrs. Law.

Misses Nancy and Sally Stuart.

Miss Fairfax and Miss Dennison.

Mr. Law and Mr. Peter.

Mr. Lear and Dr. Craik.

Lord Fairfax and Ferdinando Fairfax.

Lodge, No. 23.

Corporation of Alexandria.

All other persons, preceded by Mr. Anderson and the overseer.

When the body arrived at the vault, the Rev. Mr. Davis read the service, and
pronounced a short address. The Masons then performed their ceremonies, and the
body was deposited in the vault. Three general discharges of musketry were given
by the infantry ; and eleven pieces of artillery, which were ranged back of the vault,
and simultaneously discharged, “paid the last tribute to the entombed commander-in¬
chief of the armies of the United States.” The vault was the old one, on the brow
of the hill, now in ruins. The new tomb, directed by Washington, in his Will, to be
constructed, was not made until many years afterward.

The Congress, then sitting in Philadelphia, received information of the death of
Washington on the eighteenth, and on the following day the announcement was
formally made on the floor of the house of representatives, by the Honorable John
Marshall, of Virginia (afterward chief-justice of the United States), and the house,
after some appropriate action, adjourned. On the twenty-third, the Congress adopt¬
ed joint resolutions — first, that a marble monument should be erected at the capitol,
already mentioned in the preceding chapter ; secondly, that there should be “ a funeral
procession from Congress hall to the German Lutheran church, in memory of

LAST HOURS OF WASHINGTON.

479

General George Washington, on Thursday the twenty-sixth instant, and that an
oration be prepared at the request of Congress, to be delivered before both houses
that day; and that the president of the senate, and the speaker of the house of rep¬
resentatives, be desired to request one of the members of Congress to perform and
deliver the same; thirdly, that the people of the United States should be recommend¬
ed to wear crape on their left arm as mourning for thirty days ; fourthly , that the
president of the United States should direct a copy of the resolutions to Mrs. Wash¬
ington, with words of condolence, and a request that his remains might he interred
at the capitol of the Republic.

On the thirtieth of December, Congress further resolved that it should be recom¬
mended to the people of the Union, to assemble on the succeeding twenty-second of
February, “to testify their grief by suitable eulogies, orations, and discourses, or by
public prayers.”

Pursuant to one of the foregoing resolutions, General Henry Lee, then a member
of Congress, ■was invited to pronounce a funeral oration. He consented, and the
Lutheran church in Fourth street, above Arch, Philadelphia, the largest in the city,
was crowded on the occasion. The MTherson Blues, a corps of three hundred
men, composed of the elite of the city, were a guard of honor on that occasion.
There are now [July, 1859] only six survivors ofuthat corps, who were present on the
occasion, namely, Samuel Breck, aged eighty-eight, S. Palmer, aged seventy-nine,
S. F. Smith, aged seventy-nine, C. N. Bancker, aged eighty-three, Quinton
Campbell, aged eighty-three, and John F. Watson (the annalist of Philadelphia and
New York), aged eighty. These names were given me by Mr. Breck, at a recent
interview. General Lee’s oration on that occasion will be found in the Appendix
to this volume.

480

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XXV.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WASHINGTON.

Common Likeness of Portraits — Failure in the Delineation of Washington’s Figure —
His Form and Weight — Trumbull’s Equestrian Statue of Washington — Washington’s
Height — His Limbs — Power of his Arm displayed — Illustration given by Charles
Willson Peale — Easy Exercise of His Powers — Wrestling — Anecdote of His Early
Life — His Large Hand — His Resemblance to Ralph Izard — Washington’s Features

— His Equestrian Accomplishments — Marked for His Martial Elegance in New York

— Anecdote.

All of the many portraits which have been given of
Washington, possess a resemblance, from the drawings on
a signboard to the galleries of taste.* He was so unique,
so unlike any one else, his whole appearance so striking
and impressive, that it was almost impossible to make a
total failure, in forming a likeness of him, “on whom
every God appeared to have set his seal, to give the
wrorld assurance of a man.”

While several original pictures and sculptures are ex¬
cellent likenesses of his physiognomy, in various stages
of life, there has been a general failure in the delineation
of his figure. His manliness has been misrepresented by
bulkiness, wdiile his vigorous, elastic frame, in which so
many graces combined, has been drawn from the model

* John B. Moreau, Esquire, of New York, has a large collection of engraved por¬
traits of Washington, American and foreign. Among them are one hundred and
five different engravings, all dissimilar. Yet, with a few exceptions, all present some
resemblance to Washington, as delineated by the best artists.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WASHINGTON. 481

of Ajax, when its true personification should be that of
Achilles.

With all its developments of muscular power, the form
of Washington had no appearance of bulkiness, and so
harmonious were its proportions that he did not appear
so passing tall as his portraits have represented. He was
rather spare than full during his whole life ; this is readily
ascertained from his weight. The last time he weighed
was in the summer of 1799, when having made the tour
of his farms, accompanied by an English gentleman, he
called at his mill and was weighed. The writer placed
the weight in the scales. The Englishman, not so tall,
but stout, square built, and fleshy, weighed heavily, and
expressed much surprise that the general had not out¬
weighed him, when Washington observed, that the best
weight of his best days never exceeded from two hun¬
dred and ten to two hundred and twenty pounds. In the
instance alluded to he weighed a little rising two hun¬
dred and ten.

Of the portraits of Washington, the most of them give
to his person a fullness that it did not possess, together
with an abdominal enlargement greater than in the life,
while his matchless limbs have in but two instances been
faithfully portrayed — in the equestrian portrait by Trum¬
bull, of 1790, a copy of which is in the city hall of New
York, and in an engraving by Loisier, from a painting
by Cogniet, French artists of distinguished merit. The
latter is not an original painting, the head being from
Stuart, but the delineation of the limbs is the most per¬
fect extant*

General Washington, in the prime of life, stood six

* See the next chapter.

482

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

feet two inches, and measured precisely six feet when
attired for the grave. From the period of the Revolu¬
tion, there was an evident bending in that frame so pass¬
ing straight before, but the stoop is attributable rather to
the care and toils of that arduous contest than to age :
for his step was firm, and his carriage noble and com¬
manding, long after the time when the physical proper¬
ties of man are supposed to be in the wane.

To a majestic height, was added correspondent breadth
and firmness, and his whole person was so cast in na¬
ture’s finest mould as to resemble the classic remains
of ancient statuary, where all the parts contribute to the
purity and perfection of the whole.

The power of Washington’s arm was displayed in sev¬
eral memorable instances ; in his throwing a stone from
the bed of the stream to the top of the Natural Bridge ;
another over the Palisades into the Hudson, and yet an¬
other across the Rappahannock, at Fredericksburg. Of
the article with which he spanned this bold and naviga¬
ble stream, there are various accounts. We are assured
that it was a piece of slate, fashioned to about the size
and shape of a dollar, and which, sent by an arm so
strong, not only spanned the river, but took the ground
at least thirty yards on the other side. Numbers have
since tried this feat, but none have cleared the water.
’Tis the “Douglas cast,” made in the days when Vir_
ginia’s men were strong, as her maids are fair ; when the
hardy sports of the gymnasium prepared the body to
answer the “ trumpet call to war,” and gave vigor and
elevation to the mind, while our modern habits would
rather fit the youth “to caper nimbly in a lady’s
chamber.”

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OE WASHINGTON.

483

While the late and venerable Charles Willson Peale
was at Mount Vernon, in 1772, engaged in painting the
portrait of the provincial colonel, some young men were
contending in the exercise of pitching the bar. Wash¬
ington looked on for a time, then grasping the missile in
his master hand, whirled the iron through the air, which
took the ground far, very far, beyond any of its former
limits — the colonel observing, with a smile, "You per¬
ceive, young gentlemen, that my arm yet retains some
portion of the vigor of my earlier days/’ He was then
in his fortieth year, and probably in the full meridian of
his physical powers; but those powers became rather
mellowed than decayed by time, for " his age was like a
lusty winter, frosty yet kindly,” and, up to his sixty-
eighth year, he mounted a horse with surprising agility,
and rode with the ease and gracefulness of his better
days. His personal prowess that elicited the admiration
of a people who have nearly all passed from the stage of
life, still serves as a model for the manhood of modern
times.

In the various exhibitions of Washington’s great phys¬
ical powers, they were apparently attended by scarcely
any effort. When he overthrew the strong man of Vir¬
ginia in wrestling, while many of the finest of the young
athletae of the times were engaged in the manly games,
Washington had retired to the shade of a tree, intent
upon the perusal of a favorite volume ; and it was only
when the champion of the games strode through the
ring, calling for nobler competitors, and taunting the
student with the reproach that it was the fear of en¬
countering so redoubted an antagonist that kept him
from the ring, that Washington closed his book, and,

484

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

without divesting himself of his coat, calmly walked into
the arena, observing, that fear formed no part of his be¬
ing ; then grappling with the champion, the struggle was
fierce but momentary, for, said the vanquished hero of
the arena, in Washington's lion-like grasp, I became
powerless, and was hurled to the ground with a force
that seemed to jar the very marrow in my bones ; while
the victor, regardless of the shouts that proclaimed his
triumph, leisurely retired to his shade, and the enjoy¬
ment of his favorite volume.

Washington’s powers were chiefly in his limbs: they
were long, large, and sinewy. His frame was of equal
breadth from the shoulders to the hips. His chest,
though broad and expansive, was not prominent, but
rather hollowed in the centre. He had suffered from a
pulmonary affection in early life, from which he never
entirely recovered. His frame showed an extraordinary
development of bone and muscle • his joints were large,
as were his feet ; and could a cast have been preserved
of his hand, to be exhibited in these degenerate days, it
would be said to have belonged to the being of a fabulous
age. During Lafayette’s visit to Mount Yernon in 1825,
he said to the writer, "I never saw so large a hand on
any human being, as the general’s. It was in this port¬
ico, in 1784, that you were introduced to me by the gen¬
eral. You were a very little gentleman, with a feather
in your hat, and holding fast to one finger of the good
general’s remarkable hand, which was all you could do,
my dear sir, at that time.”

To a question that we have been asked a thousand
and one times, viz. — to what individual, known to any
who are yet living, did the person of Washington bear

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WASHINGTON. 485

the. nearest resemblance? — we answer, to Ralph Izard,
senator from South Carolina, in the first Congress under
the Constitution. The form of Izard was cast in nature’s
manliest mould, while his air and manner were both dig¬
nified and imposing. He acquired great distinction while
pursuing his studies in England, for his remarkable prow¬
ess in the athletic exercises of that distant period.*

An officer of the Life-Guard has been often heard to
observe, that the commander-in-chief was thought to be
the strongest man in the army, and yet what thews and
sinews were to be found in the army of the Revolution.
In 1781, a company of riflemen from the county of Au¬
gusta, in Virginia, reinforced the troops of Lafayette.
As the stalwart band of mountaineers, defiled before the
general, the astonished and admiring Frenchman ex¬
claimed, 66 Mon Hieu ! what a people are these Ameri¬
cans ; they have reinforced me with a band of giants !”

Washington’s physiognomy was decidedly Roman —
not in its type expressing the reckless ambition of the
u broad-fronted Csesar,” or the luxurious indulgence of
the “ curled Anthony,” but rather of the better age of
Rome — the Fabius Maximus, Marcellus, or the Scipios.

An equestrian portraiture is particularly well suited to
him who rode so well, and who was much attached to
the noble animal which so oft and so gallantly had borne
him in the chase, in war, and in the perilous service of
the frontier. Rickets, the celebrated equestrian, used to

* Ralph Izard represented South Carolina in the United States senate, from 1789
to 1795. He was distinguished as an eloquent statesman, and was loved by Wash¬
ington for his integrity and purity of character. In the senate he had the confidence
of all parties. Mr. Izard was wealthy, and held a high social distinction. His wife
was a daughter of Peter Delancey, of New York. Mr. Izard died in May, 1804, at
the age of sixty-six years.

486

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

say, 66 I delight to see the general ride, and make it a
point to fall in with him when I hear that he is abroad
on horseback — his seat is so firm, his management so
easy and graceful, that I, who am a professor of horse¬
manship, would go to him and learn to rider

Bred in the vigorous school of the frontier warfare
“ the earth his bed, his canopy the heavens/’ he excelled
the hunter and woodsman in their athletic habits, and in
those trials of manhood which distinguished the hardy
days of his early life. He was amazingly swift of foot,
and could climb the mountain steep, and “ not a sob con¬
fess his toil.”

So long ago as the days of the vice-regal court at
Williamsburg, in the time of Lord Botetourt, Colonel
Washington was remarkable for his splendid person. The
air with which he wore a small sword, and his peculiar
walk, that had the light elastic- tread acquired by his
long service on the frontier, and a matter of much ob¬
servation, especially to foreigners.

While Colonel Washington was on a visit to New
York, in 1773,* it was boasted at the table of the
British governor that a regiment, just landed from
England, contained among its officers some of the
finest specimens of martial elegance in his Majesty’s
service — in fact, the most superb looking fellows ever
landed upon the shores of the New World. “1 wager
your excellency a pair of gloves,” said Mrs. Morris, an
American lady, “ that I will show you a finer man in the
procession to-morrow, than your excellency can select

* Washington visited New York, on that occasion, for the purpose of placing
Mrs. Washington’s son, John Parke Curtis, in King’s (now Columbia) college.
He arrived there on the thirty-first of May, and remained until after the king’s
birthday, the fourth of June.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WASHINGTON.

487

from your famous regiment ?” — “ Done, madam !” replied
the governor. The morrow came (the fourth of June),
and the procession, in honor of the birthday of the king,
advanced through Broadway to the strains of military
music. As the troops defiled before the governor, he
pointed out to the lady several officers by name, claim¬
ing her admiration for their superior persons and bril¬
liant equipments. In rear of the troops came a band of
officers not on duty — colonial officers — and strangers of
distinction. Immediately, on their approach, the atten¬
tion of the governor was seen to be directed toward a
tall and martial figure, that marched with grave and
measured tread, apparently indifferent to the scene
around him. The lady now archly observed, “I per¬
ceive that your excellency’s eyes are turned to the
right object; what say you to your wager now, sir?”
“ Lost, madam,” replied the gallant governor; “ when I
laid my wager, I was not aware that Colonel Washing¬
ton was in New York .”*

* The following interesting sketch of the personal appearance of Washington is
from an anonymous hand : —

“I saw this remarkable man four times. It was in the month of November,
1798, 1 first beheld the Father of his Country. It was very cold, the northwest wind
blowing hard down the Potomac, at Georgetown. D. C. A troop of light-horse
from Alexandria escorted him to the western bank of the river. The waves ran
high, and the boat which brought him over seemed to labor considerably. Several
thousand people greeted his arrival with swelling hearts and joyful countenances;
the military were drawn up in a long line to receive him ; the officers, dressed in
regimentals, did him homage. I was so fortunate as to walk by his side, and had a
full view of him. Although only about ten years of age, the impression his person
and manner then made on me is now perfectly revived. He was six feet and one
inch high, broad and athletic, with very large limbs, entirely erect, and without the
slightest tendency to stooping ; his hair was white, and tied with a silk string, his
countenance lofty, masculine, and contemplative ; his eye light gray. He was
dressed in the clothes of a citizen, and over these a blue surtout of the finest cloth.
His weight must have been two hundred and thirty pounds, with no superfluous
flesh, all was bone and sinew, and he walked like a soldier. Whoever has seen, in

488

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

In person, Washington, as we have said, was unique.
He looked like no one else. To a stature lofty and

the patent-office at Washington, the dress he wore when resigning his commission
as commander-in-chief, in December, 1783, at once perceives how large and mag¬
nificent was his frame. During the parade, something at a distance suddenly
attracted his attention ; his eye was instantaneously lighted up as with the light¬
ning’s flash. At this moment I see its marvellous animation, its glowing fire,
exhibiting strong passion, controlled by deliberate reason.

“In the summer of 1799 I again saw the chief. He rode a purely white horse,
seventeen hands high, well proportioned, of high spirit : he almost seemed con¬
scious that he bore on his back the Father of his Country. He reminded me of the
war-horse whose neck is clothed with thunder. I have seen some highly-accom¬
plished riders, but not one of them approached Washington ; he was perfect in this
respect. Behind him, at the distance of perhaps forty yards, came Billy Lee, his
body-servant, who had perilled his life in many a field, beginning on the heights of
Boston, in 1775,. and ending in 1781, when Cornwallis surrendered, and the captive
army, with unexpressible chagrin, laid down their arms at Yorktown. Billy rode
a cream-colored horse, of the finest form, and his old Revolutionary cocked hat indi¬
cated that its owner had often heard the roar of cannon and small arms, and had
encountered many trying scenes. Billy was a dark mulatto. His master speaks
highly of him in his will, and provides for his support.

“ Sometime during this year, perhaps, I saw him at Seeme’s tavern, in George¬
town ; the steps, porch, and street, were crowded with persons desirous of behold¬
ing the man.

“ I viewed him through a window. The most venerable, dignified, and wealthy
men of the town were there, some conversing with him. Washington seemed
almost a different being from any of them, and, indeed, from any other person ever
reared in this country. His countenance was not so animated as when I first saw
him, for then his complexion was as ruddy as if he were only twenty years old.

“A few months before his death, I beheld this extraordinary man for the last
time. He stopped at the tavern opposite the Presbyterian church, in Bridge street,
Georgetown. At that time, a regiment of soldiers was stationed in their tents, on
the banks of Rock creek, and frequently attended Dr. Balch’s church, dressed in
their costume, and powdered after the Revolutionary fashion. I attended their
parade almost every day, and, on one of these occasions, I recognised Washington
riding on horseback, unaccompanied by any one. He was going out to see his
houses on Capitol hill, as I supposed. They were burnt by the British, in 1814.
My youthful eye was riveted on him until he disappeared, and that for ever. I was
surprised, that he did not once look at the parade ; so far as I could discover, on
the contrary, he appeared indifferent to the whole scene.

“ It has been my privilege to see the best likenesses of the chief. The one of all
others most resembling him, is that prefixed to the first volume of ‘ Irving’s Life
of Washington.’ All the rest wanted the animation which I perceived in his fea¬
tures.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WASHINGTON.

489

commanding, he united a form of the manliest propor¬
tions, limbs cast in Nature’s finest mould, and a carriage
the most dignified, graceful, and imposing. No one ever
approached the Pater Patrise that did not feel his pre¬
sence.

Of the remarkable degree of awe and reverence that
the presence of Washington always inspired, we shall
give one out of a thousand instances. During the
cantonment of the American army at the Yalley Forge,
some officers of the fourth Pennsylvania regiment were
engaged in a game of fives. In the midst of their sport,
they discovered the commander-in-chief leaning upon
the enclosure, and beholding the game with evident sat¬
isfaction. In a moment all things were changed. The
ball was suffered to roll idly away ; the gay laugh and
joyous shout of excitement were hushed into a pro¬
found silence, and the officers were gravely grouped
together. It was in vain the chief begged of the
players that they would proceed with their game,
declared the pleasure he had experienced from wit¬
nessing their skill, spoke of a proficiency in the manly
exercise that he himself could have boasted of in other
days. All would not do. Not a man could be induced
to move, till the general, finding that his presence
hindered the officers from continuing the amusement,
bowed, and, wishing them good sport, retired.*

“In personal appearance, Washington has never been equalled by any man in
the United States. I agree with Lord Erskine, when he said that the Father of his
Country was the only man he ever saw whose character he could not contemplate
without aw’e and wonder. B.”

* A part of this chapter was published in the National Intelligencer in 1826, a part
in 1842, and a part in 1857. As each communication was upon the same subject,
and in some paragraphs quite similar in fact and expression, I have combined the
three parts in one. In February, 1847, the following article on the Character and

490

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Personal Appearance of Washington, appeared in the National Intelligencer , over the
signature of Sigma, and appears to have an appropriate place here : —

“The description given by ‘R.’ [a correspondent of the Intelligencer ] of Washing¬
ton’s approach to the hall of Congress in Philadelphia, has freshly awakened my own
reminiscences of the same scene. Its vivid truth can not be surpassed. I stood with
him on that same stone platform, before the door of the hall, elevated by a few steps
from the pavement, when the carriage of the president drew up. It was, as he de¬
scribes it, white, or rather of a light cream color, painted on the panels with beautiful
groups, by Cipriani, representing the four seasons. The horses, according to my
recollection, were white, in unison with the carriage. R. says they were bays ; per¬
haps he is more correct. As he alighted, and, ascending the steps, paused upon the
platform, looking over his shoulder, in an attitude that would have furnished an ad¬
mirable subject for the pencil, he was preceded by two gentlemen bearing long white
wands, who kept back the eager crowd that pressed on every side to get a nearer
view. At that moment I stood so near that I might have touched his clothes ; but I
should as soon have thought of touching an eledtric battery. I was penetrated with
a veneration amounting to the deepest awe. Nor was this the feeling of a school-boy
only ; it pervaded, I believe, every human being that approached Washington ; and
I have been told that, even in his social and convivial hours, this feeling in those who
were honored to share them never suffered intermission. I saw him a hundred times
afterward, but never with any other than that same feeling. The Almighty, who
raised up for our hour of need a man so peculiarly prepared for its whole dread re¬
sponsibility, seems to have put an impress of sacredness upon his own instrument.
The first sight of the man struck the heart with involuntary homage, and prepared
everything around him to obey. When he ‘addressed himself to speak’ there
was an unconscious suspension of the breath, while every eye was raised in expec¬
tation.

“ At the time I speak of he stood in profound silence, and had that statue-like air
which mental greatness alone can bestow. As he turned to enter the building, and
was ascending the staircase leading to the Congressional hall, I glided along unper¬
ceived, almost under cover of the skirts of his dress, and entered instantly after him
into the lobby of the house, which was of course in session to receive him. On
either hand, from the entrance, stood a large cast-iron stove ; and, resolved to secure
the unhoped-for privilege I had so unexpectedly obtained, I clambered, boy-like, on
this stove (fortunately then not much heated), and from that favorable elevation, en¬
joyed, for the first time (what I have since so many thousands of times witnessed
with comparative indifference), an uninterrupted view of the American Congress in
full session, every member in his place. Shall I be pardoned for saying its aspect
was very different from what we now witness 1 There was an air of decorum, of
composure, of reflection, of gentlemanly and polished dignity, which has fled, or lin¬
gers only with here and there a ‘relic of the olden time.’

“ The house seemed then as composed as the senate now is when an impressive
speech is in the act of delivery. On Washington’s entrance the most profound and
death-like stillness prevailed. House, lobbies, gallery, all were wrapped in the
deepest attention ; and the souls of that entire assemblage seemed peering from their

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WASHINGTON.

491

eyes on the noble figure which deliberately, and with an unaffected but surpassing
majesty, advanced up the broad aisle of the hall between ranks of standing senators
and members, and slowly ascended the steps leading to the speaker’s chair. I well
remember, standing at the head of the senate, the tall, square, somewhat gaunt form
of Mr. Jefferson; conspicuous from his scarlet waistcoat, bright blue coat, with
broad bright buttons, as well as by his quick and penetrating air, and high-boned
Scottish cast of features. There, too, stood General Knox, then secretary of war,
in all the sleek rotundity of his low stature, with a bold and florid face, open, firm,
and manly in its expression. But I recollect that my boyish eye was caught by the
appearance of De Yrujo, the Spanish ambassador. He stood in the rear of the chair,
a little on one side, covered with a splendid diplomatic dress, decorated with orders,
and carrying under his arm an immense chapeau-bras, edged with white ostrich feath¬
ers. He was a man, totally different in his air and manner from all around him, and
the very antipode especially of the man on whom all eyes but his seemed fixed as by
a spell. I saw many other very striking figures grouped about and behind the speak¬
er’s chair, but I did not know their names, and had no one to ask : besides, I dared
not open my lips. ,

“ The president, having seated himself, remained in silence, serenely contemplating
the legislature before him, whose members now resumed their seats, waiting for the
speech. No house of worship, in the most solemn pauses of devotion, was ever
more profoundly still than that large and crowded chamber.

“Washington was dressed precisely as Stuart has painted him in Lord Landsdowne’s
full-length portrait — in a full suit of the richest black velvet, with diamond knee-
buckles, and square silver buckles set upon shoes japanned with the most scrupulous
neatness, black silk stockings, his shirt ruffled at the breast and wrists, a light dress
sword, his hair profusely powdered, fully dressed, so as to project at the sides, and
gathered behind in a silk bag, ornamented with a large rose of black riband. He
held his cocked hat, which had a large black cockade on one side of it, in his hand,
as he advanced toward the chair, and, when seated, laid it on the table.

“ At length, thrusting his hand within the side of his coat, he drew forth a roll of
manuscript, which he opened, and rising, held it in his hand, while in a rich, deep,
full, sonorous voice, he read his opening address to Congress. His enunciation was
deliberate, justly emphasized, very distinct, and accompanied with an air of deep so¬
lemnity, as being the utterance of a mind profoundly impressed with the dignity of
the act in which it was occupied, conscious of the whole responsibility of its position
and action, but not oppressed by it. There was ever about the man something which
impressed the observer with a conviction that he was exactly and fully equal to what
he had to do. He was never hurried; never negligent ; but seemed ever prepared
for the occasion, be it what it might. If I could express his character in one word,
it would be appropriateness. In his study, in his parlor, at a levee, before Congress,
at the head of the army, he seemed ever to be just what the situation required him
to be. He possessed, in a degree never equalled by any human being I ever saw,
the strongest, most ever-present sense of propriety. It never forsook him, and deeply
and involuntarily impressed itself upon every beholder.

“ His address was of moderate length : the topics I have of course forgotten ; in-

492

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

deed I was not of an age to appreciate them ; but the air, the manner, the tones,
have never left my mental vision, and even now seem to vibrate on my ear.

“ A scene like this, once beheld, though in earliest youth, is never to be forgotten.
It must be now fifty years ago, but I could this moment sit down and sketch the
chamber, the assembly, and the man.

“Having closed the reading, he laid down the scroll, and, after a brief pause, re¬
tired as he had entered : when the manuscript was handed, for a second reading, to
Mr. Beeldey, then clerk of the house, whose gentlemanly manner, clear and silver
voice, and sharp articulation I shall ever associate with the scene. When shall we
again behold such a Congress and such a President?”

To make the picture of the personal appearance of Washington more complete, I
add the following from Sullivan’s Familiar Letters : —

“ The following are recollections of Washington, derived from repeated opportu¬
nities of seeing him during the last three years of his public life. He was over six
feet in stature ; of strong, bony, muscular frame, without fulness of covering, well
formed and straight. He was a man of most extraordinary physical strength. In
his own house his action was#calm, deliberate, and dignified, without pretension to
gracefulness, or peculiar manner, but merely natural, and such as one would think
it should be in such a man. His habitual motions had been formed before he took
command of the American armies, in the wars of the interior, and in the surveying
of wilderness lands, employments in which grace and elegance were not likely to be
acquired. At the age of sixty-five, time had done nothing toward bending him out
of his natural erectness. His deportment was invariably grave ; it was sobriety that
stopped short of sadness. His presence inspired a veneration and a feeling of awe
rarely experienced in the presence of any man. His mode of speaking was slow
and deliberate, not as though he was in search of fine words, but that he might utter
those only adapted to his purpose. It was the usage of all persons in good society
to attend Mrs. Washington’s levee every Friday evening. He was always present.
The young ladies used to throng around him, and engage him in conversation.
There were some of the well-remembered belles of that day who imagined themselves
to be favorites with him. As these were the only opportunities which they had of
conversing with him, they were disposed to use them. One would think that a gen¬
tleman and a gallant soldier, if he could ever laugh or dress his countenance in smiles,
would do so when surrounded by young and admiring beauties. But this was never
so ; the countenance of Washington never softened ; nor changed its habitual gravity.
One who had lived always in his family said, that his manner in public life was al¬
ways the same. Being asked whether Washington could laugh, this person said this
was a rare occurrence, but one instance was remembered when he laughed most
heartily at her narration of an incident in which she was a party concerned ; and in
which he applauded her agency. The late General Cobb, who was long a member
of his family during the war, and who enjoyed a laugh as much as any man could,
said that he never saw Washington laugh, excepting when Colonel Scammel (if this
was the person) came to dine at headquarters. Scammel had a fund of ludicrous
anecdotes, and a manner of telling them, which relaxed even the gravity of the com¬
mander-in-chief.

PERSONAL APPEARANCE OF WASHINGTON.

493

“ General Cobb also said that the forms of proceeding at headquarters were exact
and precise ; orderly and punctual. At the appointed moment, Washington appeared
at the breakfast-table. He expected to find all the members of his family (Cobb,
Hamilton, Humphreys were among them) awaiting him. He came dressed for the
day, and brought with him the letters and despatches of the preceding day, and a short
memoranda of the answers to be made ; also the substance of orders to be issued.
When breakfast was over, these papers were distributed among his aids, to be pu
into form. Soon afterward he mounted his horse to visit the troops, and expected to
find on his return before noon, all the papers prepared for his inspection and signature.
There was no familiarity in his presence ; it was all sobriety and business. His mode
of life was abstemious and temperate. He had a decided preference for certain sorts
of food, probably from early associations. Throughout the war, as it was understood
in his military family, he gave a part of every day to private prayer and devotion.

“ While he lived in Philadelphia, as president, he rose at four in the morning ; and
the general rule of his house was, that the fires should be covered, and the lights ex¬
tinguished at a certain hour; whether this was nine or ten is not recollected.

“ In the early part of his administration, great complaints were made by the op¬
position of the aristocratic and royal demeanor of the president. Mr. Jefferson makes
some commentaries on this subject, which do no credit to his heart or his head.
These are too little to be transcribed from the works of this ‘ great and good man.’
Dr. Stuart, of Virginia, wrote to him of the dissatisfaction which prevailed on this
subject in Virginia. In the fifth volume of Marshall, page 164, will be found an ex¬
tract of Washington’s vindication of his conduct, and a most satisfactory one, which
shows the proper character of Mr. Jeffei’son’s ‘Anas.’ These complaints related,
in particular, to the manner of receiving such visiters as came from respect or from
curiosity, of which there were multitudes. The purpose of Washington was, that
such visiters should accomplish their objects without a sacrifice of time, which he
considered indispensable to the performance of his public duties.

“ He devoted one hour every other Tuesday, from three to four, to these visits. He
understood himself to be visited as the president of the United States, and not on his
own account. He was then to be seen by anybody and everybody ; but required that
every one who came should be introduced by his secretary, or by some gentleman
whom he knew himself. He lived on the south side of Chestnut street, just below
Sixth. The place of reception was the dining-room in the rear, twenty-five or thirty
feet in length, including the bow projecting into the garden. Mrs. Washington re¬
ceived visiters in the two rooms on the second floor, from front to rear.

“At three o’clock, or at any time within a quarter of an hour afterward, the visiter
was conducted to this dining-room, from which all seats had been removed for the
time. On entering, he saw the tall figure of Washington clad in black velvet; his
hair in full dress, powdered and gathered behind in a large silk bag ; yellow gloves
on his hands ; holding a cocked hat, with a cockade in it, and the edges adorned with
a black feather about an inch deep. He wore knee and shoe buckles ; and a long
sword, with a finely-wrought and polished steel hilt, which appeared at the left hip ;
the coat worn over the blade, and appearing from under the folds behind. The scab¬
bard was white polished leather.

494

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

u He stood always in front of the fireplace, with his face toward the door of en¬
trance. The visiter was conducted to him, and he required to have the name so dis¬
tinctly pronounced that he could hear it. He had the very uncommon faculty of
associating a man’s name, and personal appearance, so durably in his memory as to
be able to call any one by name who made him a second visit. He received his
visiter with a dignified bow, while his hands were so disposed as to indicate that the
salutation was not to be accompanied with shaking hands. This ceremony never oc¬
curred in these visits, even with the most near friends, that no distinctions might be
made.

“ As visiters came in, they formed a circle around the room. At a quarter past
three the door was closed, and the circle was formed for that day. He then began
on the right, and spoke to each visiter, calling him by name, and exchanging a few
words with him. When he had completed his circuit, he resumed his first position,
and the visiters approached him in succession, bowed, and retired. By four o’clock
this ceremony was over.

“On the evenings when Mrs. Washington received visiters, he did not consider
himself as visited. He was then as a private gentleman, dressed usually in some
colored coat (the only one recollected was brown, with bright buttons), and black on
his lower limbs. He had then neither hat nor sword ; he moved about among the
company, conversing with one and another. He had once a fortnight an official din¬
ner, and select companies on other days. He sat, it is said, at the side, in a central
position ; Mrs. Washington opposite ; the two ends were occupied by members of
his family, or by his personal friends.”

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

495

CHAPTER XXVI.

0 MARTHA WASHINGTON.*

Mbs. Washington’s Lineage — Her Early Life — Her Marriage to Daniel Parke Cus-
tis — His Father’s Ambitious Views — Death of Mr. Custis — Anecdote — A Money¬
lender IN WANT OF A CUSTOMER — FlRST INTERVIEW BETWEEN WASHINGTON AND MRS.
Custis — Virginia Hospitality — Washington in Love — The Marriage of Washing¬
ton and Mrs. Custis — Date of the Marriage — Mrs. Washington in Camp — Her Es¬
cort— Death of her Son — The Home at Mount Vernon — Washington made Presi¬
dent of the United States — Mrs. Washington at the Head of the Presidential Man¬
sion — Family Habits there — Scenes on the National Anniversaries — Attendance
upon Divine Service — Old Soldiers at the President’s House — Retirement to Mount
Vernon — Visiters there — Mrs. Washington’s Domestic Habits— Washington’s Death
— Disposition of his Remains — Mount Vernon after his Death — Sickness and Death
of Mrs. Washington.

Martha Dandridge was descended from an ancient
family, which first migrated to the colony of Virginia, in
the person of the Reverend Orlando Jones, a clergyman
of Wales. She was born in the county of New Kent,
colony of Virginia, in May, 1732. The education of
females in the early days of the colonial settlements, was
almost exclusively of a domestic character, and by in¬
structors who were entertained in the principal families,
that were too few and too “far between” to admit of the
establishment of public schools.

Of the early life of Miss Dandridge, we are only able
to record, that the young lady excelled in personal
charms, which, with pleasing manners, and a general
amiability of demeanor, caused her to be distinguished

* This was first written for, and published in, the American Portrait Gallery.

496

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

amid the fair ones who usually assembled at the court
of Williamsburg, then held by the royal governors of
Virginia.

At seventeen years of age (in 1749), Miss Dandridge
was married to Colonel Daniel Parke Custis, of the White
House, county of New Kent. This was a match of affec¬
tion. The father of the bridegroom, the Honorable John
Custis, of Arlington, a king’s counsellor, he i matrimonial
views of a more ambitious character for his only son and
heir, and was desirous of a connection with the Byrd
family, of Westover, Colonel Byrd being, at that time,
from his influence and vast possessions, almost a count
palatine of Virginia.*

The counsellor having at length given his consent to
the marriage of his son with Miss Dandridge, they were
married. They settled at the White House, on the banks
of the Paumunkey river, where Colonel Custis became
an Eminently successful planter. The fruits of this mar¬
riage were, a girl, who died in infancy, and Daniel, Mar¬
tha, and John. Daniel was a child of much promise, and
it was generally believed, that his untimely death hasten¬
ed his father to the grave. Martha arrived at woman¬
hood, and died at Mount Vernon, in 1773 and John,
the father of the biographer, perished while in the
service of his country, and the suite of the commander-

* See page 18.

t See page 21. We have observed that this daughter was very delicate in health,
from early childhood. Everything that affection and ample means could afford for
the preservation of her health, were employed. Among Washington’s accounts of
expenditures in her behalf, is one on a single half-sheet of foolscap, which shows how
carefully he made his memoranda. We give a facsimile of it. It will be seen
that Washington took none of the responsibility of incurring the expense of a jour¬
ney to the medicinal springs and back. He notes in the preface to the account,
that the journey was undertaken by the advice of the physician.

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MARTHA WASHINGTON.

497

in-chief, at the siege of Yorktown, 1781, aged twenty-
seven.

On the decease of her husband, which happened at
about middle age, Mrs. Custis found herself at once a
very young, and among the very wealthiest widows in
the colony. Independently of extensive and valuable
landed estates, the colonel left thirty thousand pounds
sterling in money, with half that amount to his only
daughter, Martha. It is related of this amiable gentle¬
man, that, when on his death-bed, he sent for a tenant, to
whom, in settling an account, he was due one shilling.
The tenant begged that the colonel, who had ever been
most kind to his tenantry, would not trouble himself at
all about such a trifle, as he, the tenant, had forgotten it
long ago. “ But I have not,” rejoined the just and con¬
scientious landlord, and bidding his creditor take up the
coin, which had been purposely placed on his pillow, ex¬
claimed, “ Now, my accounts are all closed with this
world,” and shortly after expired. Mrs. Custis, as sole
executrix, managed the extensive landed and pecuniary
concerns of the estates with surprising ability, making
loans, on mortgage, of moneys, and, through her stew¬
ards and agents, conducting the sales or exportation of
the crops, to the best possible advantage.*

* On the death of her husband, Mrs. Custis employed her young friend, of James
City, Robert Carter Nicholas, as legal adviser in the settlement of the estate. Mr.
Nicholas was then just rising in his profession, and soon became one of the brightest
lawyers in a galaxy, such as Virginia has never since possessed. Afterward, as a
legislator and true patriot, he took a foremost part in the concerns of his native
commonwealth, and was particularly conspicuous in the Virginia convention of
1775. The following letters, from Mr. Nicholas and Mr. Waller, relate to the busi¬
ness of Mrs. Custis’s estate

“Williamsburg, 7th August, 1757.

“Madam: It gave me no small pleasure to hear with how great Christian pa¬
tience and resignation you submitted to your late misfortune ; the example is rare,

498

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

While on the subject of the moneyed concerns of sev¬
enty years ago, we hope to be pardoned for a brief di¬
gression. The orchard of fine apple-trees is yet standing
near Bladensburg, that was presented to Mr. Ross, by

though a duty incumbent upon us all ; and therefore I can not help esteeming it a
peculiar happiness whenever I meet with it. My late worthy friend, from a very
short acquaintance with him, had gained a great share of my esteem, which would
have naturally continued towards his family, had I been an utter stranger to them.
How greatly this is increased by the pleasure of even a slight acquaintance with you,
I shall leave it to time to evince, as it might savor of flattery, were I to attempt the
expression of it. When your brother was with me, I was indisposed, and therefore
could not conveniently comply with your request, in writing my opinion upon the
several matters he proposed. As it will be absolutely necessary that some person
should administer upon the estate, and no one appears so proper as yourself, I
would recommend it to you, and that so soon as it may be done with convenience.
I dare say your friends will endeavor to ease you of as much trouble as they can ;
and since you seem to place some confidence in me, I do sincerely profess myself to
be of that number. I imagine you will find it necessary to employ a trusty steward ;
and as the estate is large and very extensive, it is Mr. Waller’s and my own opinion,
that you had better not engage with any but a very able man, though he should re¬
quire large wages. Nothing appears to us very material to be done immediately,
except what relates to your tobacco ; if is not already done, it will be necessary that
letters should be wrote for insurance, and that we, or some other of your friends,
should be acquainted with the quantities of tobacco put on board each ship, that we
may get the proper bills of lading. If you desire it, we will cheerfully go up to
assist in sorting your papers, forming invoices, etc., and in any other instance that
you think I can serve you, I beg that you will freely and without any reserve com¬
mand me. I congratulate you upon your little boy’s late recovery, and am, madam,
“ Your hearty well-wisher and obedient humble servant,

‘Robert C. Nicholas.”

Three weeks later, Mr. Waller, mentioned by Mr. Nicholas, wrote to Mrs. Custis
as follows : —

“ Madam . I am at a loss in drawing your power of attorney for receiving the
interest or dividends of your bank stock. I had formerly a printed form which I
am pretty sure I gave to Mr. Power, to draw one by for the late colonel. Mr.
Lyons says he remembers it, and that he believes Mr. Power gave it to the
colonel ; and so amongst us it is lost. I send you a general power of attorney,
which you may execute before some persons going to Great Britain, and send it by
this fleet ; it may possibly be of service till they send you a letter. It will be prop¬
er for you to get letters of administration from your clerk, to send them here for
the governor’s name, and seal of the colony (all of which you may have for the fees
already charged you), and to send them with the power to Messrs. Carey and Co. ;
and desire them to send you, in proper forms and directions, what to do concerning the

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

499

the father of the late venerated Charles Carroll, of
Carrollton, as a recompense for Mr. Ross having intro¬
duced to Mr. Carroll a good borrower of his money. A
Colonel T., one of the ancient dons of Maryland, being
observed riding over the race-course of Annapolis in a
very disturbed and anxious manner, was accosted by his
friends with a “ What ’s the matter, colonel ? Are you
alarmed for the success of your filly, about to start?”
“ Oh, no,” replied T., “ but I have a thousand pounds by
me to loan, and here have I been riding about the course
the whole morning, and not a single borrower can I get
for my money.” We opine that the same anxieties would
not be long suffered now.

It was in 1758, that an officer, attired in a military
undress, and attended by a body-servant, tall and mili-
taire as his chief, crossed the ferry called Williams’s, over
the Pamunkey, a branch of the York river. On the boat
touching the southern or New Kent side, the soldier’s
progress was arrested by one of those personages, who
give the beau ideal of the Virginia gentleman of the old
regime , the very soul of kindliness and hospitality. It
was in vain the soldier urged his business at Williams¬
burg, important communications to the governor, etc.
Mr. Chamberlayne, on whose domain the militaire had
just landed, would hear of no excuse. Colonel Washing¬
ton (for the soldier was he) was a name and character so

bank stock another year. I return the letters relating to Dunbar’s appeal, which
very probably received a determination before the colonel’s death. I know not
what further you can do than advise Mr. Cary and Mr. Hanbury of the time he died,
to desire them to continue their case in that affair, and to instruct you what your
solicitor thinks needful for you to do. In all these cases they will preserve their
own forms and methods. My wife tenders you her best respects, and I am, madam,

“ Your most obedient servant,

“ Williamsburg, August 30th, 1757.” “Ben. Waller.”

500

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

dear to all the Virginians, that his passing by one of the
old castles of the commonwealth, without calling and
partaking of the hospitalities of the host, was entirely
out of the question. The colonel, however, did not sur¬
render at discretion, but stoutly maintained his ground,
till Chamberlayne bringing up his reserve, in the intima¬
tion than he would introduce his friend to a young and
charming widow, then beneath his roof, the soldier capit¬
ulated, on condition that he should dine, “ only dine,”
and then, by pressing his charger and borrowing of the
night, he would reach Williamsburg before his excel¬
lency could shake off his morning slumbers. Orders
were accordingly issued to Bishop, the colonel’s body-
servant and faithful follower, who, together with the fine
English charger, had been bequeathed by the dying
Braddock to Major Washington, on the famed and fatal
field of the Monongahela. Bishop, bred in the school of
European discipline, raised his hand to his cap, as much
as to say, “your honor’s orders shall be obeyed.”

The colonel now proceeded to the mansion, and was
introduced to various guests (for when was a Virginian
domicil of the olden time without guests ?), and above
all, to the charming widow. Tradition relates that they
were mutually pleased on this their first interview, nor
is it remarkable ; they were of an age when impressions
are strongest. The lady was fair to behold, of fascinating
manners, and splendidly endowed with worldly benefits.
The hero, fresh from his early fields, redolent of fame,
and with a form on which “ every god did seem to set
his seal, to give the world assurance of a man.”

The morning passed pleasantly away. Evening came,
with Bishop, true to his orders and firm at his post, held-

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

501

in g his favorite charger with one hand, while the other
was waiting to offer the ready stirrup. The sun sank in
the horizon, and yet the colonel appeared not. And then
the old soldier marvelled at his chief’s delay. “ ’ Twas
strange, ’twas passing strange” — surely he was not wont
to be a single moment behind his appointments, for he
was the most punctual of all men. Meantime, the host
enjoyed the scene of the veteran on duty at the gate,
while the colonel was so agreeably employed in the par¬
lor ; and proclaiming that no guest ever left his house
after sunset, his military visiter was, without much diffi¬
culty, persuaded to order Bishop to put up the horses for
the night. The sun rode high in the heavens the en¬
suing day, when the enamored soldier pressed with his
spur his charger’s side, and speeded on his way to the
seat of government, where, having despatched his public
business, he retraced his steps, and, at the White House,
the engagement took place, with preparations for the
marriage.

And much hath the biographer heard of that marriage,
from gray-haired domestics, who waited at the board
where love made the feast and Washington was the
guest. And rare and high was the revelry, at that
palmy period of Virginia’s festal age ; for many were
gathered to that marriage, of the good, the great, the
gifted, and the gay, while Virginia, with joyous accla¬
mation hailed in her youthful hero a prosperous and
happy bridegroom.

“And so you remember when Colonel Washington
came a courting of your mistress ?” said the biographer
to old Cully, in his hundredth year. “ Ay, master, that
I do,” replied this ancient family servant, who had lived

502

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

to see five generations ; “ great times, sir, great times !
Shall never see the like again !” — “And Washington
looked something like a man, a proper man; hey,
Cully?” — “Never see’d the like, sir; never the likes
of him, tho’ I have seen many in my day ; so tall, so
straight! and then he sat a horse and rode with such
an air ! Ah, sir ; he was like no one else ! Many of
the grandest gentlemen, in their gold lace, were at the
wedding, but none looked like the man himself!”
Strong, indeed, must have been the impressions which
the person and manner of Washington made upon the
rude, “untutored mind” of this poor negro, since the
lapse of three quarters of a century had not sufficed
to efface them.

The precise date of the marriage the biographer has
been unable to discover, having in vain searched among
the records of the vestry of St. Peter’s church, New
Kent, of which the Eeverend Mr. Mossom, a Cambridge
scholar, was the rector, and performed the ceremony, it
is believed, about 1759.* A short time after their mar-

* Mr. Sparks, whose sources of information have been more ample than all
others, says the marriage took place on the sixth of January, 1759. Mrs. Bache,
daughter of Doctor Franklin, in a letter to her father, written in January, 1779,
says, “ I have lately been several times invited abroad with the general and Mrs.
Washington. He always inquires after you, in the most affectionate manner, and
speaks of you highly. We danced at Mrs. Powell’s on your birthday, or night, I
should say, in company together, and he told me it was the anniversary of his mar¬
riage ; it was just twenty years that night.”

Franklin’s birthday was the seventeenth of January. The apparent discrepancy
in the statements of Mrs. Bache and Mr. Sparks, is easily reconcilable, by suppo¬
sing the date given by the latter to be Old Style. There being eleven days differ¬
ence between the two styles, so called, the sixth, Old Style, would be the seventeenth,
New Style.

Reverend David Mossom was rector of New Kent parish for forty years. Bishop
Meade, in illustration of the condition of church matters in that parish, during the
earlier years of Mr. Mossom’s rectorship, says that, on one occasion, the rector and

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

503

riage, Colonel and Mrs. Washington removed to Mount
Vernon, on the Potomac, and permanently settled there.

The mansion of Mount Vernon, more than seventy
years ago, was a very small building, compared with its
present extent, and the numerous out-buildings attached
to it. The mansion-house consisted of four rooms on a
floor, forming the centre of the present building, and
remained pretty much in that state up to 1774, when
Colonel Washington repaired to the first Congress, in
Philadelphia, and from thence to the command-in-chief
of the armies of his country, assembled before Cam¬
bridge, July, 1775. The commander-in-chief returned
no more to reside at Mount Vernon till after the peace
of 1783. Mrs., or Lady Washington, as we shall now
call her (such being the appellation she always bore in
the army), accompanied the general to the lines before
Boston, and witnessed its siege and evacuation. She
then returned to Virginia, the subsequent campaigns
being of too momentous a character to allow of her
accompanying the army.*

At the close of each campaign, an aid-de-camp

his clerk had a quarrel, and the former assailed the latter in a sermon. In those
days, it was the duty of the clerk to “ give out ” the psalm. On the occasion in
question the clerk, after receiving the pulpit assault from Mr. Mossom, read, in
revenge, the psalm, in which occurs the following verse : —

“ With restless and ungoverned rage,

Why do the heathen storm ?

Why in such rash attempts engage,

As they can ne’er perform V’

Mr. Mossom was married four times. His last nuptials were celebrated in Jan¬
uary, 1755, in his own church. His bride was Elizabeth Masters, a widow.

* Mrs. Washington did not return to Virginia until the close of August, 1776.
A letter, written by her to her sister, Mrs. Bassett, of Eltham, and dated at Phila¬
delphia, on the twentieth of that month, is published in the Historical Magazine ,
volume ii., page 135 ; 1858.

504 RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

repaired to Mount Vernon, to escort the lady to head¬
quarters. The arrival of Lady Washington at camp
was an event much anticipated, and was always the
signal for the ladies of the general officers to repair to
the bosoms of their lords. The arrival of the aid-de-
camp, escorting the plain chariot, with the neat postil¬
lions, in their scarlet and white liveries, was deemed an
epoch in the army, and served to diffuse a cheering
influence amid the gloom which hung over our destinies
at Valley Forge, Morristown, and West Point. Lady
Washington always remained at the headquarters till
the opening of the campaign ; and she often remarked, in
after life, that it had been her fortune to hear the first
cannon at the opening, and the last at the closing, of all
the campaigns of the Revolutionary war.

During the whole of that mighty period, when we
struggled for independence, Lady Washington pre¬
served her equanimity, together with a degree of cheer¬
fulness that inspired all around her with the brightest
hopes for our ultimate success. To her, alone, a heavy
cloud of sorrow hung over the conclusion of the glorious
campaign of 1781. Her only child,* while attending to
his duties, as aid-de-camp to the general-in-chief, during
the siege of Yorktown, was seized with an attack .of the
camp-fever, then raging to a frightful extent within the
enemy’s intrenchments. Ardently attached to the cause
of his country, having witnessed many of the most
important events of the Revolutionary contest, from the
siege of Boston, in 1775-6, to the virtual termination of
the war, in 1781, the sufferer beheld the surrender of
the British army, on the memorable nineteenth of Octo«

* John Parke Custis.

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

505

her, and was thence removed to Eltham, in New Kent,
where he was attended by Doctor Craik, chief of the
medical staff

Washington, learning the extreme danger of his step¬
son, to whom he was greatly attached, privately left the
camp before Yorktown, while yet it rang with the
shouts of victory, and, attended by a single officer, rode
with all speed to Eltham. It was just day-dawn when
the commander-in-chief sprang from his panting charger,
and, summoning Doctor Craik to his presence, inquired
if there was any hope. Craik shook his head, when the
chief, being shown into a private room, threw himself
upon a bed, absorbed in grief. The poor sufferer, being
in his last agonies, soon after expired. The general re¬
mained for some time closeted with his lady, then re¬
mounted and returned to the camp.

It was after the peace of 1783, that General Washing¬
ton set in earnest about the improvements in building
and laying off the gardens and grounds that now adorn
Mount Yernon. He continued in these gratifying em¬
ployments, occasionally diversified by the pleasures of
the chase, till 1787, when he was called to preside in the
convention that formed the present federal constitution ;
and in 1789 he left his beloved retirement to assume the
duties of the chief magistracy of the Union.

During the residence of General and Mrs. Washington
at Mount Yernon, after the peace of 1783, the ancient
mansion, always the seat of hospitality, was crowded with
guests. The officers of the French and American armies,
with many strangers of distinction, hastened to pay their
respects to the victorious general, now merged into the
illustrious farmer of Mount Yernon. During these stir-

506

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

ring times, Mrs. Washington performed the duties of a
Virginia housewife, and presided at her well-spread board,
with that ease and elegance of manners which always
distinguished her. At length the period arrived when
General and Mrs. Washington were to leave the de¬
lights of retirement, and to enter upon new and elevated
scenes of life. The unanimous voice of his country hail¬
ed the hero who had so lately led her armies to victory,
as the chief magistrate of the young empire about to
dawrn upon the world.

The president and his lady bade adieu with extreme re¬
gret to the tranquil and happy shades, where a few years
of repose had, in a great measure, effaced the effects of
the toils and anxieties of war ; where a little Eden had
bloomed and flourished under their fostering hands ; and
where a numerous circle of friends and relatives would
sensibly feel the privation of their departure. They de¬
parted, and hastened to where duty called the man of his
country.

The journey to New York, in 1789, was a continued
triumph. The august spectacle at the bridge of Trenton
brought tears to the eyes of the chief, and forms one of
the most brilliant recollections of the age of Washington*

Arrived at the seat of the federal government, the
president and Mrs. Washington found their establish¬
ment upon a scale that, wThile it partook of all the attri¬
butes of our republican institutions, possessed at the same
time that degree of dignity and regard for appearances,
so necessary to give to our infant republic, respect in the
eyes of the world. The house was handsomely furnish¬
ed ; the equipages neat, with horses of the first order :

* See note on page 393.

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

507

the servants wore the family liveries ; and, with the
exception of a steward and housekeeper, the whole es¬
tablishment differed but little from that of a private gen¬
tlemen. On Tuesdays, from three to four o’clock, the
president received the foreign ambassadors and strangers
who wished to be introduced to him. On these occa¬
sions, and when opening the sessions of Congress, the
president wore a dress-sword. His personal apparel was
always remarkable for its being old-fashioned, and ex¬
ceedingly plain and neat. On Thursdays were the con¬
gressional dinners, and on Friday nights, Mrs. Washing¬
ton’s drawing-room. The company usually assembled
about seven, and rarely staid after ten o’clock. The
ladies were seated, and the president passed around the
circle, paying his compliments to each. At the drawing¬
rooms, Mrs. Morris always sat at the right of the lady-
president, and at all the dinners, public or private, at
which Robert Morris was a guest, that venerable man
was placed at the right of Mrs. Washington. When
ladies called at the president’s mansion, the habit was for
the secretaries and gentlemen of the president’s house¬
hold to hand them to and from their carriages; but
when the honored relicts of Greene and Montgomery
came to the presidoliad, the president himself performed
these complimentary duties.

On the anniversaries of the great national festivals of
the fourth of July and twenty-second of February, the
sages of the Revolutionary Congress and the officers of
the Revolutionary army renewed their acquaintance
with Mrs. Washington. Many and kindly greetings
then took place, with many a recollection of the days of
trial. The Cincinnati, after paying their respects to their

508

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

chief, were seen to file off toward the parlor, where Lady
Washington was in waiting to receive them, and where
Wayne, and Mifflin, and Dickenson, and Stewart, and
Moylan, and Hartley, and a host of veterans, were cor¬
dially welcomed as old friends, and where many an in¬
teresting reminiscence was called np, of the headquarters
and the a times of the Revolution”

On Sundays, unless the weather was uncommonly
severe, the president and Mrs. Washington attended divine
service at Christ church ;* and in the evenings, the pres¬
ident read to Mrs. Washington, in her chamber, a sermon,
or some portion from the sacred writings. No visiters,
with the exception of Mr. Speaker Trumbull, were ad¬
mitted to the presidoliad on Sundays.

There was one description of visiters, however, to he
found about the first president’s mansion on all days.
The old soldiers repaired, as they said, to headquarters,
just to inquire after the health of his excellency and
Lady Washington. They knew his excellency was of
course much engaged ; but they would like to see the
good lady. One had been a soldier of the Life-Guard ;
another had been on duty when the British threatened
to surprise the headquarters ; a third had witnessed that
terrible fellow, Cornwallis, surrender his sword ; each one
had some touching appeal, with which to introduce him¬
self to the peaceful headquarters of the presidoliad. All
were “ kindly bid to stay,” were conducted to the stew-

* In Philadelphia. They attended St. Paul’s church, when in New York, in
which two pews were expressly prepared, one for the president and his family, and
the other for the governor of the state of New York and his family — the city of New
York then being the state capital. The pews have since been changed, but the old
paintings over each still remain. Washington, according to his diary, attended di¬
vine service in the morning, and occupied the afternoon in writing private letters.

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

509

ard’s apartments, and refreshments set before them- and
after receiving some little token from the lady, with her
best wishes for the health and happiness of an old soldier,
they went their ways, while blessings upon their revered
commander and the good Lady Washington, wTere uttered
by many a war-worn veteran of the Revolution.

In the spring of 1797, General and Mrs. Washington,
bidding adieu to public life, took their leave of the seat
of government and journeyed to the South, prepared in
good earnest to spend the remnant of their days in their
beloved retirement of Mount Vernon. The general re¬
sumed with delight his agricultural employments, while
the lady bustled again amid her domestic concerns, show¬
ing that neither time nor her late elevated station had in
any wise impaired her qualifications for a Virginia house¬
wife ; and she was now verging upon threescore and ten.

But for Washington to be retired at Mount Vernon, or
anywhere else, was out of the question. Crowds which
had hailed the victorious general as the deliverer of his
country, and called him with acclamation to the chief
magistracy of the infant empire, now pressed to his re¬
tirement, to offer their love and admiration to the illus¬
trious farmer of Mount V ernon.

Mrs. Washington was an uncommon early riser, leav¬
ing her pillow at day-dawn at all seasons of the year,
and becoming at once actively engaged in her household
duties. After breakfast she retired for an hour to her
chamber, which hour was spent in prayer and reading
the Holy Scriptures, a practice that she never omitted
during half a century of her varied life.*

* Mrs. Carrington, wife of Colonel Edward Carrington, who, with her husband,
visited the family at Mount Vernon a little while before General Washington's

510

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Two years had passed happily at Mount V ernon ; for
although the general, yielding to the claims of his coun¬
try, had again accepted the command-in-chief of her
armies, yet he had stipulated with government that he
should not leave his retirement, unless upon the actual
invasion of an enemy. It was while engaged in project¬
ing new and ornamental improvements in his grounds,
that the fiat of the Almighty went forth, calling the be¬
ing, the measure of whose earthly fame was filled to
overflowing, to his great reward in a higher and better
world. The illness was short and severe. Mrs. Wash¬
ington left not the chamber of the sufferer, but was seen
kneeling at the bedside, her head resting upon her Bible,
which had been her solace in the many and heavy afflic¬
tions she had undergone. Dr. Craik, the early friend
and companion-in-arms of the chief, replaced the hand,
which was almost pulseless, upon the pillow, while he
turned away to conceal the tears that fast chased each
other down his furrowed cheeks. The last effort of the
expiring Washington was worthy of the Koman fame of
his life and character. He raised himself up, and casting
a look of benignity on all around him, as if to thank

death, wrote to her sister as follows, concerning Mrs. Washington : “ Let us repair
to the old lady’s room, which is precisely in the style of our good old aunt’s — that
is to say, nicely fixed for all sorts of work. On one side sits the chambermaid, with
her knitting ; on the other, a little colored pet, learning to sew. An old decent
woman is there, with her table and shears, cutting out the negroes’ winter clothes,
while the good old lady directs them all, incessantly knitting herself. She points
out to me several pair of nice colored stockings and gloves she had just finished,
and presents me with a pair half done, which she begs I will finish and wear for her
sake.” — See Bishop Meade’s Old Churches and Families of Virginia , i. 98. Such is
the picture of the wealthy and honored wife of Washington in the privacy of her
home. What an example of industry and economy for the wives and daughters of
America ! Mrs. Washington always spoke of the days of her public life at New
York and Philadelphia, as her “ lost days.”

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

511

them for their kindly attentions, he composed his limbs,
closed his eyes, and folding his arms upon his bosom, the
Father of his Country expired, gentle as though an in¬
fant died !

The afflicted relict could with difficulty be removed
from the chamber of death, to which she returned no
more, but occupied other apartments for the residue of
her days.

By an arrangement with government, Mrs. Washing¬
ton consented to yield the remains of the chief to the
prayer of the nation, as expressed through its represen¬
tatives in Congress, conditioning that at her decease, her
own remains should accompany those of her husband to
the capitol.

When the burst of grief which followed the death of
the Pater Patrice had a little subsided, visits of condol¬
ence to the bereaved lady were made by the first per¬
sonages of the land. The president of the United States
with many other distinguished individuals, repaired to
Mount V ernon ; while letters, addresses, funeral orations,
and all the tokens of sorrow and respect, loaded the mails
from every quarter of the country, offering the sublime
tribute of a nation’s mourning for a nation’s benefactor*

* The following letter to Mrs. Washington, from, the Earl of Buchan, brother of
Lord Erskine, was found among that lady’s papers, after her death, by her grand¬
daughter, Mrs. Lawrence Lewis : —

“ Dryburgh Abbey, January 28th, 1800.

“ Madam : I have this day received from my brother in London the afflicting
tidings of the death of your admired husband, my revered kinsman and friend. I
am not afraid, even under this sudden and unexpected stroke of Divine Providence,
to give vent to the immediate reflections excited by it, because my attachment to
your illustrious consort was the pure result of reason, reflection, and congeniality of
sentiment. He was one of those whom the Almighty in successive ages has chosen
or raised up to promote the ultimate designs of his goodness and mercy, in the
gradual melioration of his creatures, and the coming of his kingdom which is in
heaven. It may be said of that great and good man who has been taken from

512

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Although the great sun of attraction had sunk in the
west, still the radiance shed by his illustrious life and

among us, what was written by Tacitus concerning his father-in-law, Agricola :
4 Though he was snatched away whilst his age was unbroken by infirmity or dimmed
by bodily decay, so that if his life be measured by his glory, he attained a mighty
length of days : forming true felicity, namely, such as arise from virtue, he had
already enjoyed to the full. As he had likewise held the supreme authority of the
state, with the confidence and applause of all wise and good men from every part of
the world, as well as among those he governed, and had enjoyed triumphal honors in
a war undertaken for the defense of the unalienable rights of mankind, what more,
humanly speaking, could fortune add to his lustre and renown/

“ After enormous wealth he sought not ; an honorable share he possessed. His
course he finished in the peaceful retreat of his own election, in the arms of a dutiful
and affectionate wife, and bedewed with the tears of surrounding relatives and friends
with the unspeakably superior advantage to that of the Roman general, in the hopes
afforded by the gospel of pardoning peace. He therefore, madam, to continue my paral¬
lel, may be accounted singularly happy, since by dying, according to his own Christian
and humble wish, expressed on many occasions, whilst his credit was nowise im¬
paired, his fame in its full splendor, his relations and friends, not only in a state of
comfort and security, but of honor, he has escaped many evils incident to declining
years. Moreover, he saw the government of his country in hands conformable with
our joint wishes, and to the safety of the nations, and a contingent succession open¬
ing not less favorable to the liberties and happiness of the people.

“ Considering my uniform regard for the American states manifested long before
their forming a separate nation, I may be classed, as it were, among their citizens,
especially as I have come of a worthy ancestor, Lord Cardross, who found refuge
there in the last century, and had large property in Carolina, where Port Royal is
now situated. I hope it will not be thought impertinent or officious, if I recom¬
mend to that country and nation at large, the constant remembrance of the moral
and political maxims conveyed to its citizens by the Father and founder of the United
States, in his Farewell Address, and in that speech which he made to the senate
and house of representatives, when the last hand was put to the formation of the
Federal Constitution ; and may it be perpetual. It seems to me that such maxims
and such advice ought to be engraven on every forum or place of common assembly
among the people, and read by parents, teachers, and guardians to their children
and pupils, so that true religion and virtue, its inseparable attendant, may be im¬
bibed by the- rising generation to remotest ages, and the foundations of national
policy be laid and continued in the superstructure, in the pure and immutable prin¬
ciples of private moralitity ; since there is no truth more thoroughly established than
that there exists in the economy and course of Nature, an indissoluble union between
virtue and happiness, between duty and happiness, between duty and advantage,
between the genuine maxims of an honest and magnanimous people, and the solid
rewards of public prosperity and felicity ; since we ought to be no less persuaded
that the propitious smiles of Heaven can never be expected on a nation that dis-

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

518

actions drew crowds of pilgrims to his tomb. The estab¬
lishment of Mount Yernon was kept up to its former
standard, and the lady presided with her wonted ease
and dignity of manner, at her hospitable board. She
relaxed not in her attentions to her domestic concerns,
performing the arduous duties of the mistress of so ex¬
tensive an establishment, although in the sixty-ninth
year of her age, and evidently suffering in her spirits,
from the heavy bereavement she had so lately sustained.

In little more than two years from the demise of the
chief, Mrs. Washington became alarmingly ill from an
attack of bilious fever. From her advanced age, the
sorrow that had preyed upon her spirits, and the severity
of the attack, the family physicians gave but little hope
of a favorable issue. The lady herself was perfectly
aware that her hour was nigh ; she assembled her grand¬
children at her bedside, discoursed to them on their
respective duties through life, spoke of the happy in¬
fluences of religion upon the affairs of this world, of the
consolations they had afforded her in many and trying
afflictions, and of the hopes they held out of a blessed
immortality ; and then surrounded by her weeping rela¬
tives, friends, and domestics, the venerable relict of
Washington resigned her life into the hands of her Crea¬
tor, in the seventy-first year of her age*

regards the eternal rules of order and right which Heaven itself has ordained ; and
since the preservation of the sacred fire of liberty and the destiny of the republican
model of government are justly considered as deeply, perhaps finally, staked on
the experiment entrusted to the hands of the American people.

“ Lady Buchan joins with me in the most sincerely respectful good wishes. I am,
madam, with sincere esteem, your obedient and faithful humble servant.

“ Buchan.”

* The following notice of the death of Mrs. Washington appeared in the Port
Folio, June 5, 1802 : —

514

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Agreeably to her directions her remains were placed
in a leaden coffin, and entombed by the side of those of
the chief, to await the pleasure of the government.

In person, Mrs. Washington was well-formed, and
somewhat below the middle size. To judge from her
portrait at Arlington House, painted by Woolaston, in
1757, when she was in the bloom of life, she must at
that period have been eminently handsome. In her
dress, though plain, she was so scrupulously neat, that
ladies have often wondered how Mrs. Washington could
wear a gown for a week, go through her kitchen and
laundries, and all the varieties of places in the routine of
domestic management, and yet the gown retained its
snow-like whiteness, unsullied by even a single speck.
In her conduct to her servants, her discipline was prompt,
yet humane, and her household was remarkable for the
excellence of its domestics.

Our filial task is done. Few females have ever
figured in the great drama of life, amid scenes so varied
and imposing, with so few faults and so many virtues, as
the subject of this brief memoir. Identified with the
Father of his Country, in the great events which led to
the establishment of a nation’s independence, Mrs.
Washington necessarily partook much of his thoughts,
his councils, and his views. Often at his side, in that
awful period that “ tried men’s souls,” her cheerfulness
soothed his anxieties, her firmness inspired confidence,
while her devotional piety toward the Supreme Being

“ Died at Mount Vernon, on Saturday evening, the 22d of May, 1802, Mrs.
Martha Washington, widow of the late illustrious General George Washington. To
those amiable and Christian virtues which adorn the female character, she added
dignity of manners, superiority of understanding, a mind intelligent and elevated.
The silence of respectful grief is our best eulogy.”

MARTHA WASHINGTON.

515

enabled her to discern the beautiful form of hope, amid
the darkness occasioned by the greatest earthly grief.

After a long life abounding in vicissitudes, having a
full measure of sorrows, but with many and high enjoy¬
ments, the venerable Martha Washington descended to
the grave, cheered by the prospect of a blessed immor¬
tality, and mourned by the millions of a mighty empire.

516

KECOLLECTIONS OP WASHINGTON.

CHAPTER XXVII.

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.*

A Good Portrait of Washington desirable — American Artists competent to perform
the Task — Pour original Pictures at Arlington House — Portraits by Peale, Houdon,
Marchioness de Brienne, and Sharp less — The earliest Picture — Charles Willson
Peale — Portrait of Greene at Y alley Forge — W asiiington’s great Strength — Trum¬
bull’s EQUESTRIAN PORTRAIT — WASHINGTON’S TEETH — STUART AND HIS PORTRAITS — CRAY¬
ON by Williams — Portraits by Charles Willson Peale and his son Eembrandt — The
Sharpless Picture at Arlington House — Cerracchi’s Bust— Washington’s Figure —
Westmuller’s Picture — Washington’s Size and Weight — Peculiar Form of his Trunk
— Lafayette to Trumbull — Wiiat shall the standard Portrait be.

It is assuredly both desirable and proper that there'
should belong to the American people, and descend to
their posterity, a faithful portraiture of their Washington.
They have in their own country all the materials requi¬
site and necessary for such a work ; nor need they to go
abroad to ensure its most happy execution — they haying
artistic genius and skill of the highest order at home.

Of original pictures, there are four at Arlington House.
The most ancient, and the only one extant of the hero
at that time of day, is the work of the elder Peale.f It
was painted in 1772, full size and three-quarter length;
representing the provincial colonel in the colonial uni¬
form — blue, with scarlet facings, silver lace, and scarlet

* This chapter is composed of two, the last published in the National Intelligencer
in 1855.

t Charles Willson Peale. He was at Mount Vernon in May, 1772, at which time
he also painted a portrait, in miniature, of Mrs. Washington, for her son. John
Parke Custis.

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

517

under-clothes, with sash and gorget, and the hat usually
called the Wolfe hat, which, from its size and shape, must
have been better suited for service in a forest warfare
than would be the chapeaux of modern times. This is a
fine, expressive picture, and said by his contemporaries,
to be the Washington in the prime of life— the counte¬
nance open and manly, the mild blue eye, the whole
bespeaking intelligence, the dominion of lofty feelings,
and the passions at rest.

It will be remembered that 1772 was the year of the
remarkable Indian prophecy.*

This splendid and most interesting picture formed the
principal ornament of the parlor at Mount Vernon for
twenty-seven years, and for the truth of its resemblance
to the Washington of colonial times, Dr. James Craik
was frequently applied to, who pronounced it to be a
faithful likeness of the provincial colonel in the prime of
life. The venerable James Craik, it is well known, was
the associate and bosom friend of the chief, from 1754 to
the last days at Mount Yernon.f

Next in the order of originals, at Arlington House, is
a half bust, by Houdon, after the manner of the antique,
full size, and was taken soon after the war of the Rev¬
olution.!

3d. A beautiful cabinet picture, in relief, by Madame
de Brienne, representing the heads of Washington and
Lafayette, about the time of Houdon.§

4th. The profile likeness in crayon, by Sharpless, in

* See Chapter xi.

t See page 474.

$ Houdon was at Mount Vernon in the autumn of 1785.

§ The Marchioness de Brienne had her first and only sitting from Washington,
in October, 1789. See note in the Appendix.

518

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

1797, an admirable likeness, the profile taken by an in¬
strument, and critically correct.

Next in the order of succession we have a full-length
of the commander-in-chief, painted by Peale in 1779,
during the Kevolution* This Peale may be very prop¬
erly styled the soldier-artist; for in spring-time he
would lay aside his palette, and, commanding a company,
fight a campaign, and on going into winter-quarters,
take up his palette again, and paint the portraits of the
great men of the army of Independence. The soldier-
artist gave a most graphic and amusing account of his
painting the portrait of General Greene at Valley Forge.
He said : “ The wretched hut that formed my studio had
but two articles of furniture — an old bedstead and a
three-legged chair ! The general being a heavy man, I
placed him upon the bedstead, while I steadied myself as

* Charles Willson Peale was born at Chestertown, in Maryland, in 1741, and
was apprenticed to a saddler in Annapolis. He became also a silversmith, watch¬
maker, and carver. He offered a handsome saddle to Hesselius, a portrait-painter,
living in his neighborhood, if he would explain to him the mystery of putting colors
upon canvass. Hesselius complied, and from that day Peale’s artist-life began. He
went to England, where he studied under Benjamin West, from 1767 to 1769. He
returned to America, and for fifteen years was the only portrait painter of excellence
in this country. By close application he became a good naturalist and preserver of
animals. He practised dentistry, and invented several machines. During the war he
conceived the grand design of forming a portrait gallery, and for that purpose he
painted a great number of likenesses of the leading men of the Revolution, American
and foreign. Many were of life size, and others in miniature. A large number of
the former are now in the possession of the American Museum in New York, and
grace the gallery of that establishment ; and others cover the walls of Independence
Hall, in Philadelphia.

Mr. Peale opened a picture gallery in Philadelphia, and also commenced a mu¬
seum, which, in time, became extensive. He delivered a course of lectures on na¬
tural history, and was very efficient in the establishment and support of the Phila¬
delphia Academy of Fine Arts. He lived temperately, worked assiduously, and
was greatly esteemed by all who knew him. He died in February, 1827, aged
eighty-six years. His son, Rembrandt, is now [July 1859] practising his art in
Philadelphia, at the age of eighty-two years.

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

519

well as I could upon the rickety chair ; it was awfully
cold, and I had every few moments to thrust my hands
into the fire to enable me to hold my pencil.” In such
a studio, and with such appliances, was painted the only
reliable likeness that we have of the illustrious soldier
who was the hero of the South, and second only to him
who was first of all.

Peale delighted to relate incidents that occurred dur¬
ing his intercourse at various times with Washington,
particularly the display of the vast physical prowess of
the chief in 1772. He said : a One afternoon several
young gentlemen, visiters at Mount Vernon, and myself
were engaged in pitching the bar, one of the athletic
sports common in those days, when suddenly the colonel
appeared among us. He requested to be shown the
pegs that marked the bounds of our efforts ; then, smil¬
ing, and without putting off his coat, held out his hand
for the missile. No sooner,” observed the narrator, with
emphasis, a did the heavy iron bar feel the grasp of his
mighty hand than it lost the power of gravitation, and
whizzed through the air, striking the ground far, very
far, beyond our utmost limits. We were indeed amazed,
as we stood around, all stripped to the buff, with shirt
sleeves rolled up, and having thought ourselves very
clever fellows, while the colonel, on retiring, pleasantly
observed, ‘ When you beat my pitch, young gentlemen,
I’ll try again.’ ”*

In 1790 appeared the equestrian portrait of the chief
by Colonel Trumbull. In the execution of this fine
work of art, the painter had standings as well as sittings —
the white charger, fully caparisoned, having been led out
and held by a groom, while the chief was placed by the

* See page 483.

520

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

artist by the side of the horse, the right arm resting on
the saddle. In this novel mode the relative positions of
the man and horse were sketched out and afterwards
transferred to the canvass.* There is a copy, size of life,
of the equestrian portrait by Trumbull, in the City-hall
of New York. The figure of Washington, as delineated
by Colonel Trumbull, is the most perfect extant. So is
the costume, the uniform of the staff in the war for In¬
dependence, being the ancient ivhig colors, blue and buff —
a very splendid performance throughout, and the objec¬
tion to the face as being too florid, not a correct one. He
was both fair and florid.

In 1789 the first president lost his teeth, and, the arti¬
ficial ones with which he was furnished answering very
imperfectly the purpose for which they were intended,
a marked change occurred in the appearance of his face,
more especially in the projection of the under lip, which
forms so distinguishing a feature in the works of Stuart
and others who painted portraits of the great man sub¬
sequent to 1789.f

We come now to a brilliant era in the history of the
fine arts in the United States, in the return of Gilbert
Stuart to his native land from a long sojourn in Europe,
where his great fame as a portrait painter obtained for.
him the title of the modern Y andyke. J The distinguish-

* There must be some error in this account. See remarks on the subject in Note
vii. in the Appendix.

t Washington, at the time Stuart painted his portrait, had a set of sea-horse ivory
teeth. These, just made, were too large and clumsy, and gave that peculiar appearance
of the mouth seen in Stuart’s picture. He very soon rejected them. Stuart’s
mouth is a caricature, in a small degree.

J Gilbert Charles Stuart was a native of Rhode Island, and son of a Scotch snuff-
maker. He was born in 1754, and at an early age manifested a genius for art. He
commenced a course of instruction in painting at the age of eighteen years, with an

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

521

in g excellence of Stuart, as a portrait painter, consisted
in his giving the expression of character to his portraits,
a novelty in portrait painting in the United States more
than half a century ago. Stuart’s object and ambition,
on returning to America, were to paint the great man of
his country. He gave to this work all his genius, all his
skill, and the best feelings of his heart. The first por¬
trait of Washington by Stuart created a great sensation
on its appearance in Philadelphia. It was soon followed
by the celebrated full-length for the marquis of Lans-
downe. In this splendid picture Stuart has failed in the
figure of the chief, unapproachable as he was, in painting
the head.* The great artist had never made the human
figure his peculiar study or practice. Hence, for the cor¬
rect figure of Washington ice must refer , in all cases , to the
works of Trumbull It was our good fortune to see much
of Gilbert Stuart in his studios of Philadelphia and

amateur artist named Alexander. They made a tour of the Southern States to
gether, and, finally, the preceptor invited the pupil to go to Scotland with him. He
remained there sometime, and returned to New York quite a competent portrait
painter. There he, and the late Doctor Benjamin Waterhouse, commenced drawing
from life together. In 1775 Stuart went to England, and being a skilful musician,
he employed music and painting in gaining a livelihood. He was eccentric and did
not succeed well. In West he found a friend and benefactor, and in the studio of
that great artist, he first became acquainted with Trumbull. He rapidly improved
in his art, and might have become the first portrait painter in England, had not
intemperate habits thwarted the aspirations of his genius. He went to Dublin, and
then to New York. His fame had preceded him to America, and his studio was filled
with sitters. But his habits of intemperance increased. He went to Philadelphia
to paint President Washington. He resided there and at Germantown for some
time, and went to Washington city, when the federal government was removed to
that place. From 1805 until his death, he practised his profession in Boston. His
death occurred in July, 1828, when he was about seventy-four years of age.

* A small man named Smith, with wdiom Stuart boarded in Philadelphia, stood
for the figure of Stuart’s full-lengths of Washington. He had a cast of his arm and
hand made from a model of that of Washington seen upon the extended arm of the
picture. His hand was much smaller than that of the chief.

522

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Washington city, and to hear him say, “ I do not pretend
to have painted Washington as the general of the armies
of Independence; I knew him not as such; I have
painted the first president of the United States.” And
again, upon his being asked, 66 Whom did Washington
most resemble ?” he replied, 66 No one hut himself.” Stu¬
art complained bitterly of his painting for the marquis
of Lansdowne having been pirated by Heath, the en¬
graver to his Britannic majesty. He showed us a cop¬
per-plate prepared in England for him by the celebrated
Sharpe, the first engraver in Europe, who, although re¬
tired from the burin, had consented to execute a farewell
engraving of Stuart’s Washington. The copper-plate,
was large, thick, and heavy, and polished like a mirror ;
while Stuart, laying his hand upon the plate, observed
with much feeling, “ The profits, my young friend, of
this copper-plate engraved by Sharpe were all the for¬
tune I expected to leave to my family.” Heath made
a fortune from his engraving of the work of Stuart, which
engraving is a superb specimen of the art.

Washington was a bad sitter. It annoyed him exceed¬
ingly to sit at all ; and, after every sitting, he was wont
to declare this must be the last. Stuart, once finding
the chief very dull, bethought himself to introduce the
subject of horses. This roused up the sitter, and the
artist obtained the desired expression.

The works of Stuart have acquired such extensive and
deserved celebrity, that a critique from us would be almost
superfluous. Of the great president, the head (that is,
the head only) of Stuart is certainly a chef cT oeuvre. There
are three originals by this distinguished master : the head
and bust, from which many copies have been taken, the

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

523

full length for the marquis of Landsdowne,and an original
intended for Mrs. Washington * The artist has been par¬
ticularly happy in delineating that graceful fall of the
shoulders, for which the chief was remarkable, and which
is said to constitute among the finest lines in the por¬
traiture of manly excellence. The defects of the full
length are in the limbs. There is too much of round¬
ness and finish, according to the rules of art and the most
approved models of taste and celebrity; whereas the
original was in himself a model for the arts. Stuart
once observed, a My impressions of his superior size con¬
siderably abated on trying on his coat, and finding that
the span of his body was not greater than was to be
found in some other men.” True. We repeat, that his
remarkable conformation was exclusively in the limbs ;
and the great artist, and truly pleasant gentleman, might
have continued his trials, and worn out the coat in try¬
ing, ere he would have found a man whose arms should
have filled the sleeves, or who possessed that breadth of
wrists and those hands which, in the chief, almost “ ex¬
ceeded nature’s law.”

A Mr. Williams, a painter in crayons, had sittings about
1794, and made a strong likeness ; but we have no fur¬
ther knowledge of him or his works.*)*

In 1795, both the elder and younger Peale had sittings.
It was the fortune of the venerable Charles Willson Peale
to have painted the provincial colonel of his Britannic
majesty’s service in 1772, and the same individual, as

* This is in the possession of the Boston Athenaeum.

f Of this artist I find no record. Dunlap mentions a Williams who painted
thirty years before the Revolution, and lent West books on the subject of art ; also,
a Williams, “ a painter both in oil and miniature,” who flourished in Boston about
forty years ago.

524

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

chief magistrate of a great empire, in 1795. The Revo¬
lutionary recollections of the Peale family embrace James
Peale, who was one of that gallant band of Philadel¬
phians who joined the wreck of the grand army in ’76,
and was engaged in the battles of Trenton and Prince¬
ton. The collection of portraits, made by the patriotic
founder of the first American museum, are of inestima¬
ble value to our posterity, being the only likenesses ex¬
tant of some of the most distinguished worthies of the
days of trial. This collection, and the museum entire,
should be government property, and attached to a na¬
tional university.*

Mr. Rembrandt Peale, with a laudable desire to give a
genuine portrait of the Father of his Country, has de¬
voted much time and talent to his Washington. His fine
performance has received commendation from such high
authorities that we deem it unnecessary to add anything
to our certificate, which will be found in the publications
on that subject. j* The equestrian picture, by Rembrandt
Peale, is a spirited work, and entitled to praise, as well
for its able delineation of the person of the hero, as for
the other characters which are introduced, particularly
Hamilton, which is to the life. The white charger is
rather too small, and the face of the general-in-chief
older than he must have appeared in 1781. The execu¬
tion of this large work is highly creditable to the artist,
and the school of American arts.J

* These were sold a few years ago, and a large proportion of them now adorn
the walls of Independence Hall, Philadelphia.

t This picture was purchased by the United States government for $2,000, and
now adorns the senate chamber in the federal capitol.

t This equestrian portrait is now (1859) in the rotunda of the federal capitol,
awaiting the action of Congress upon a proposition to purchase it for the govern¬
ment.

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

525

The last original (profile in crayons) was by Sharpless,
1796, and, as we have said, is now at Arlington House.
So much was this performance admired for the exquisite
likeness and uncommon truthfulness of expression, that
the chief ordered portraits by the same artist of every
member of his domestic family, including George W.
Lafayette.*

Cerracchi, the celebrated sculptor and enthusiast for
liberty, came to this country about 1793 or 1794, and
executed two busts, in marble, of the president and of
Hamilton, the last said to be the best. Cerracchi was a
singularly-looking man — very short, full of action, bril¬
liant eyes, emitting the sparks of genius, and wore two
watches. He afterward perished at Paris, as author of
the “infernal machine.” Cerracchi’s bust of the chief is
a failure ; his bust of Hamilton, magnificent.*)*

We have thus enumerated most of the reliable orig¬
inals of the Pater Patriae from 1772 to 1796, with re¬
marks upon each. These, with the statue by Houdon in
1788, constitute, in our humble opinion, all the resem¬
blances in paintings and sculpture of the beloved Wash¬
ington that will descend, venerated and admired, to pos¬
terity.

We believe that we have gone through the best orig¬
inals, and we hope with equal candor and justice to all.
We come now to the beautiful statue, by Canova, which
long will “ enchant our western world.” J

If the drawings which we have seen are correct, Ca¬
nova, too, has mistaken the figure of the Pater Patrige.

* This portrait, with one of the author of these Recollections, made in 1797, are
now at Arlington House.

t See Note vii. in the Appendix.

J This statue is at Raleigh, North Carolina. The head is from Cerracchi’s bust.

526

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

The illustrious artist, seated in the Eternal City, amid
the classic remains of Roman grandeur, has had in his
mind’s eye the stout, square figure of those heroes whose
patient endurance of hardships, whose valor and disci¬
pline, rendered them masters of the ancient world. But
the great American can not be modelled, from coin or
statue, by the force of genius or the illustrations of art.
The graces of his person, like the virtues of his soul,
owed their perfections to the master-hand, the hand of
Nature.

Of the painting, said to be an original, by Wertmuller,
and executed about 1795, we literally know nothing;*
yet, in 1795, we were not absent from the presidential
mansion in Philadelphia a single day. Again, through
whose influence was the sitting obtained for a picture
said to be for a Swedish nobleman ? It is notorious that
it was only by hard begging that Mrs. Bingham obtained
the sittings for the marquis of Lansdowne’s picture.
And, again, we knew little or nothing of Sweden in the
olden days, while we had, and still preserve, a most hon¬
ored recollection of Denmark in the memory of a gal¬
lant Dane, Colonel Febiger, a distinguished officer of
our Revolutionary army. And, lastly, if the Wertmuller
was painted about 1795, where is the distinguishing fea¬
ture in the physiognomy of the chief at that period —
the projection of the under lip ?

In giving a description of the stature and form of
Washington, we give not only the result of our personal
observation and experience of many years, but information
derived from the highest authority — a favorite nephew.

* A well-engraved copy of this portrait is published in the first volume of Irving’s
Life of Washington. See Note vii. in the Appendix.

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

527

Major Lawrence Lewis asked his uncle what was his
height in the prime of life ? He replied, “ In my best
days, Lawrence, I stood six feet and two inches in or¬
dinary shoes.” We know that he measured, by a stand¬
ard, precisely six feet when laid out in death. Of his
weight we are an evidence, having heard him say to
Crawford, governor of Canada, in 1799, “My weight, in
my best days, sir, never exceeded from two hundred and
ten to twenty.” His form was unique. Unlike most ath¬
letic frames that expand at the shoulders and then
gather in at the hips, the form of Washington devi¬
ated from the general rule, since it descended from the
shoulders to the hips in perpendicular lines, the breadth
of the trunk being nearly as great at the one end as at
the other. His limbs were long, large, and sinewy ; in
his lower limbs, he was what is usually called straight
limbed. His joints, feet, and hands, were large ; and, could
a cast have been made from his right hand (so far did its
dimensions exceed nature’s model), it would have been
preserved in museums for ages as the anatomical won¬
der of the eighteenth century.

The eyes of the chief were a light-grayish blue, deep
sunken in their sockets, giving the expression of gravity
and thought. Stuart painted those eyes of a deeper
blue, saying, “ In a hundred years they will have faded
to the right color.” His hair was of a hazel brown, and
very thin in his latter days. In his movements, he pre¬
served, in a remarkable degree and to an advanced age,
the elastic step that he had acquired in his service on
the frontier.

Being ordered one morning very early into the library
at Mount Vernon (a place that none entered without

528

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

orders), the weather being warm, we found the chief very
much undressed, and, while looking on his manly frame,
we discovered that the centre of his chest wras indented.
This is an exception to the general rule laid down by
anatomists, that, where the human frame possesses great
muscular power, the chest should rather be rounded out
and protuberant than indented* We were equally sur¬
prised to find how thin he was in person, being, with the
absence of flesh, literally a man of “ thews and sinews.”
He wore around his neck the miniature-portrait of his
wife. This he had worn through all the vicissitudes of
his eventful career, from the period of his marriage to
the last days at Mount Vernon.f

In the appearance of Washington, there was nothing of
bulkiness; but there was united all that was dignified
and graceful, while his air and manner were at once
noble and commanding. No one approached him that
did not feel for him, as Lord Erskine observed, “a degree
of awful reverence.”J He wore a sword with a peculiar
grace. The Yiscomte de Noailles said it was because
“ the man was made for the sword, and not the sword for
the man.”

* Washington, as we have observed elsewhere, was much affected by a pulmonary
disease in 1757 and 1758, which threatened, at one time, to become a consumption.

f This miniature could not have been painted earlier than the visit of C. W. Peale
to Mount Vernon, in 1772, by whom it was probably executed. We have no ac¬
count of any painter in miniature in the colonies previous to that time, except Tay¬
lor, who painted small heads in water-colors, in Philadelphia, in 1760.

j On the 15th of March, 1797, Lord Erskine wrote to Washington from London,
saying, “ I have taken the liberty to introduce your august and immortal name in a
short sentence, which is to be found in a book I send you. I have a large acquaint¬
ance among the most valuable and exalted classes of men ; but you are the only
human being for whom I have ever felt an awful reverence. I sincerely pray God
to grant you a long and serene evening to a life so gloriously devoted to the univer¬
sal happiness of the world.”

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

529

Lafayette, not long after the war of the Ke volution,
wrote a letter to Colonel Trumbull, urging him to paint
an equestrian portrait of the chief as he appeared on
the field at Monmouth. The illustrious Frenchman,
America’s great benefactor, said to us, “I was a very
young major-general on that memorable day, and had a
great deal to do, but took time, amid the heat and fury
of the fight, to gaze upon and admire Washington, as,
mounted on a splendid charger covered with foam, he
rallied our line with words never to be forgotten : 6 Stand
fast, my boys, and receive your enemy ; the southern
troops are advancing to support you !’ I thought then,
as I do now,” continued the good Lafayette, "that never
have I seen so superb a man.” *

Our readers may ask, Shall the standard portraiture be
equestrian? We reply, to the portrait of one so accom¬
plished a cavalier as Washington was, the white charger,
with the leopard-skin housings, &c., would be an embel¬
lishment, the chief to be dismounted, with arm resting
on the saddle, after the manner of Trumbull.

But, whether equestrian or not, the Americans have
the materials for the standard before them in the head
from Stuart , with some slight modifications from the
original of 1772, and the figure from Trumbidl entire. They
have only to choose their artist, and let the work be
done.

We have been thus minute in describing the portrait¬
ure of Washington, because posterity always inquires,
" How looked the great of the olden time ?” Should
these Recollections meet the eye of posterity, we can only
say that our portrait, though humbly, is faithfully drawn.

* See page 220.

530

RECOLLECTIONS OF WASHINGTON.

Those who may portray the chief in latter life, should
lay on their tints of age full lightly, for his was an age
of action and of untiring labors in the cause of public
utility, and for the good of mankind ; and, although he
had nearly reached the scriptural duration of man, time
had so gently ushered him into the “vale of years” as to
have left its usual infirmities behind, while his “lusty
winter” had shed its “frosts so kindly” that he seemed
rather as a full ripened autumn, for no desolation was
there.

When this noble empire shall have achieved its high
destiny, and, embracing a continent, attained a power
and grandeur unexampled in the history of nations, the
future American from the topmost height of his great¬
ness, will look back upon the early days of his country,
and call up the “time-honored” memories of the heroic
era and the age of Washington; and, when contem¬
plating the image of the Pater Patrice , perpetuated by
the mellowed tints of the canvass and the freshness of
time-enduring bronze, with honest pride of ancestry he
will exclaim, “ My forefather was the associate of that
great man in the perils and glories of the struggle for
American independence. Let there be undying honor
to the memory of Washington; ever green be the lau¬
rels that deck his trophied tomb; ever living be the
homage in the hearts of his countrymen and mankind
for the patriot, the hero, and the sage, who, under Provi¬
dence, with humble means, so much contributed to raise
his native land from the depths of dependence, and to
place her in the rank of nations ; who presided over her
civic destinies in the dawn of the great experiment of
self-government ; and wTho, after an illustrious life spent

PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

531

in the service of liberty and mankind, and without a
cloud to dim the lustre of his fame, descended to the
grave with the august title of the Father of iiis
Country.*

* In Note vii. in the Appendix, I have given a brief account of several original
portraits of Washington, not mentioned by Mr. Curtis.

■

APPENDIX.

NOTE I.-Page 34.

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GENERAL WASHINGTON AND
JOHN PARKE CUSTIS.

The following letters, never before published, passed between
General Washington and his step-son, John Parke Custis, during
the Revolution. They serve to exhibit, in a strong light, that
characteristic of the great leader’s mind, which enabled him to
abstract himself from the most important public concerns, and to
attend to the consideration of the minute details of private life.
These letters also have an intrinsic interest, because they contain
much information of a public character, having a bearing upon
the current events of the time. One of them reveals a fact, not
generally known, namely, that officers of the continental army —
even Washington himself — speculated in the chances of profits
arising from the success of privateering.

It will be seen by the dates of these letters, and the allusions
in them to current events, that some of them were written by
Washington at times when the weightiest public affairs must have
occupied his mind.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Philadelphia, June 19, 1775.

Dear Jack: I have been called upon by the unanimous voice
of the colonies to take the command of the continental army. It
is an honor I neither sought after, or was by any means fond of
accepting, from a consciousness of my own inexperience and ina¬
bility to discharge the duties of so important a trust. However, as

534

APPENDIX.

the partiality of the Congress has placed me in this distinguished
point of view, I can make them no other return but what will flow
from close attention and an upright intention — for the rest I can
say nothing. My great concern upon this occasion is, the thought
of leaving your mother under the uneasiness which I fear this af¬
fair will throw her into ; I therefore hope, expect, and indeed
have no doubt, of your using every means in your power to keep
up her spirits, by doing everything in your power to promote her
quiet. I have, I must confess, very uneasy feelings on her ac¬
count, but as it has been a kind of unavoidable necessity which
has led me into this appointment, I shall more readily hope that
success will attend it and crown our meetings with happiness.

At any time, I hope it is unnecessary for me to say, that I am
always pleased with yours and Nelly’s abidance at Mount Yernon,
much less upon this occasion, when I think it absolutely necessary
for the peace and satisfaction of your mother ; a consideration
which I have no doubt will have due weight with you both, and
require no arguments to enforce.

As the public gazettes will convey every article of intelligence
that I could communicate in this letter, I shall not repeat them,
but with love to Nelly, and sincere regard for yourself, I remain,

Your most affectionate,

Geo. Washington.

P. S.— -Since writing the foregoing, I have received your letter
of the fifteenth instant. I am obliged to you for the intelligence
therein contained, and am glad you directed about the tobacco,
for I had really forgot it. You must now take upon yourself the
entire management of your own estate, it will no longer be in my
power to assist you, nor is there any occasion for it, as you have
never discovered a disposition to put it to a bad use.

The Congress, for I am at liberty to say as much, are about to
strike two million of dollars as a continental currency, for the
support of the war, as Great Britain seems determined to enforce
us into — and there will be at least fifteen thousand raised as a
continental army. As I am exceedingly hurried, I can add no
more at present than that I am, &c. G. W.

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS. 535

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

New York, July 24, 1776.

Dear Sir : I wrote to you two or three posts ago, since which
your letter of the tenth instant is come to hand. With respect
to the proposed exchange of lands with Colonel Thomas Moore,
I have not a competent knowledge of either tract to give an opin¬
ion with any degree of precision; but from the situation of
Moore’s land, and its contiguity to a large part of your estate,
and where you will probably make your residence, I should, were
I in your place, be very fond of the exchange ; especially, as the
land you hold in Hanover is but a small tract, and totally de¬
tached from the rest of your estate. What local advantages it
may have I know not. These ought to be inquired into, because
a valuable mill seat often gives great value to a poor piece of
land (as I understand that of yours in Hanover is). I have no
doubt myself, but that middling land under a man’s own eye, is
more profitable than rich land at a distance, for which reason I
should, were I in your place, be for drawing as many of my slaves
to the lands in King William and King and Queen as could work
on them to advantage, and I should also be for adding to those
tracts if it could be done upon reasonable terms.

I am very sorry to hear by your account that General Lewis*
stands so unfavorably with his officers. I always had a good
opinion of him, and should have hoped that he had been pos¬
sessed of too much good sense to maltreat his officers, and there¬
by render himself obnoxious to them.

We have a powerful fleet in fall view of us — at the watering-
place of Staten island. General Howe and his army are landed
thereon, and it is thought will make no attempt upon this city
till his re-enforcements, which are hourly expected, arrive. When
this happens it is to be presumed that there will be some pretty
warm work. Give my love to Nelly, and compliments to Mr.
Calvert and family, and to others who may inquire after, dear sir,
Your affectionate, Geo. Washington.

* General Andrew Lewis, an excellent Virginian officer who commanded at Point
Pleasant, in the battle with the Indians there, in 1774.

536

APPENDIX.

[CUSTIS TO WASHINGTON.]

Mount Airy, August 8, 1776.

Honored Sir: Your letters of the eighth and twenty-fourth
ultimo came safely to hand, and I should certainly have answered
them before now, if I had not been in hopes of collecting something
worth relating. I feel the sincerest pleasure that my professions
of gratitude were received in the light I would wish them to be.
I can only express it in words at this time. I fervently wish
to have an opportunity of fulfilling them by my actions ; I need
no more words to convince you of my sincerity, for I flatter my¬
self you are satisfied that deceit makes no part of my character.
I am happy to find my ideas of land coincide with yours. Hill
informed me that a good part of Colonel Moore’s land was as
finely timbered as he ever saw, and the soil very proper for farm¬
ing : these circumstances, added to its situation, render it in my
opinion a very desirable purchase. I desired Hill to contract for
it on the best terms he could, with the advice of Uncles Bassett
and Dandridge, who were kind enough to promise all their assist¬
ance. My land in Hanover, as far as I can learn, is very indif¬
ferent, and is valuable only for its timber.

You have no doubt heard of the men-of-war coming up Potow-
mack as far as Mr. Brent’s, whose house they burnt with several
outhouses and some stacks of wheat. A Captain James with
sixty militia were stationed there who all got drunk, and kept
challenging the men-of-war to come ashore, and upbraiding them
with cowardice. Hammond sent one hundred and fifty men, who
landed about ten o’clock under cover of a gondola and tender.
The militia were asleep after their drinking frolic, and did not
discover the enemy until they landed and their vessels began to
fire. Captain James desired his men to shift for themselves, and
ran off without firing a gun. A young man by name of Combs
stayed until he killed three of the enemy. Colonel Grayson ap¬
pearing with thirty Prince William volunteers, the enemy thought
proper to retire to their ships. Captain James is to be tried for
cowardice. The fleet, after performing this exploit, returned
down the river to George’s island, from whence they have been

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS. 537

drove off by Major Price with some loss. They are gone down
the bay in a most sickly condition. I have not heard where they
have stopped. Before they left the island they burned several
vessels, and I hear that two sloops belonging to them have fallen
into Captain Boucher’s hands.

This province has been thrown into much confusion lately, on
account of elections. In several counties it has been determined
contrary to an express order of convention, that every man who
bears arms is entitled to vote. This, in my opinion, is a danger¬
ous procedure, and tends to introduce anarchy and confusion as
much as anything I know. The latter it has already introduced
in the counties where it has been practised ; men who are by no
means qualified having been chosen, and proper men left out.

I have the pleasure to inform you that a majority of the coun¬
ties have obeyed the order of convention. Your old friend Colo-
onel Fitzhugli is elected for the county he lives in. His military
knowledge will be very useful in council, where such knowledge
is much wanting. T. Johnson is left out of every office at pres¬
ent. He was appointed a brigadier-general. The county he
lived in petitioned him to resign his commission, that they might
elect him a burgess. He granted their request, and they deceived
him. You will, I doubt not, regret with me that so proper a
man should be left out of office.

I received by last post a letter from Dr. Attwood, containing
an account against me of two dollars, for bleeding and sundry
medicines. I well remember when at King’s college to have re¬
ceived them, but I am much at a loss to account for Doctor Coop¬
er’s extravagant charge, and leaving so many accounts unpaid.
I shall be obliged to you to order him to be paid. I enclose you
his letter which you sent under cover last post.* The family
here and at Milwood join in compliments. Nelly presents her
love. I am, honored sir,

Your most affectionate,

John Parke Custis.

* Mr. Custis was in Kings (now Columbia) college in 1773.

538

APPENDIX.

[WASHINGTON TO CTJSTIS.]

Morris Town, January 22, 1777.

Dear Sir : Your letter of the seventh came to my hands a few
days ago, and brought with it the pleasing reflection of your still
holding me in remembrance.

The misfortune of short enlistments, and an unhappy depend-
ance upon militia, have shown their baneful influence at every
period, and almost upon every occasion, throughout the whole
course of this war. At no time, nor upon no occasion, were they
ever more exemplified than since Christmas ; for if we could but
have got in the militia in time, or prevailed upon those troops
whose times expired (as they generally did) on the first of this
instant, to have continued (not more than a thousand or twelve
hundred agreeing to stay) we might, I am persuaded, have cleared
the Jerseys entirely of the enemy. Instead of this, all our move¬
ments have been made with inferior numbers, and with a mixed,
motley crew, who were here to-day, gone to-morrow, without
assigning a reason, or even apprizing you of it. In a word, I
believe I may with truth add, that I do not think that any officer
since the creation ever had such a variety of difficulties and per¬
plexities to encounter as I have. How we shall be able to rub
along till the new army is raised, I know not. Providence has
heretofore saved us in a remarkable manner, and on this we must
principally rely. Every person in every state should exert him¬
self to facilitate the raising and marching the new regiments to
the army with all possible expedition.

I have never seen (but heard of) the resolve you mentioned,
nor do I get a paper of Purdie’s* once a month. Those who
want faith to believe the account of the shocking wastes com¬
mitted by Howe’s army — of their ravaging, plundering, and
abuse of women — may be convinced, to their sorrow, perhaps, if a
check can not be put to their progress.

It is painful to me to hear of such illiberal reflections upon
the eastern troops as you say prevails in Yirginia. I always
have, and always shall say, that I do not believe that any of the

* Virginia Gazette, published at Williamsburg, Virginia.

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

539

states produce better men, or persons capable of making better
soldiers, but it is to be acknowledged that they are (generally
speaking) most wretchedly officered. To this, and this only, is
to be attributed their demerits. The policy of those states has
been, to level men as much as possible to one standard. The
distinction, therefore, between officers and soldiers * * *

and that hunger and thirst after glory which* * * *

This is the true secret, and we have found, that wherever a regi¬
ment is well-officered, their men have behaved well — when other¬
wise, ill — the misconduct or cowardly behaviour always origin¬
ating with the officers who have set the example. Equal injustice
is done them, in depriving them of merit in other respects ; for
no people fly to arms readier than they do, or come better equip¬
ped, or with more regularity into the field than they.

With respect to your inquiries about payments made Mr. - -

I can not answer them with precision, but I am exceedingly mis¬
taken if I have not made him two, for both you and myself.
Indeed I am as sure of it as I can be of anything from the bad¬
ness of my memory. I think I made him one payment myself,
and the treasurer, or Hill, made him the other. The book,
however, in which I keep your accounts will show it (the parch¬
ment-covered quarto onef) as you will, I suppose, find yourself
charged by me, with the payments made.

In my letter to Lund Washington, I have given the late oc¬
currences, and to avoid repetition, I refer you to him. My love
to Nelly, and compliments to Mr. Calvert’s family, and all other
inquiring friends, leaving me nothing else to add, than that
I am, your affectionate, Geo. Washington.

[CUSTIS TO WASHINGTON.]

Williamsburgh, August 8, 1777.

Honored Sir : I do with the most unfeigned pleasure con¬
gratulate you and your success in the Jerseys over our enemy.

* Some modern pen has blotted out several words in the four or five lines suc¬
ceeding this portion of the sentence, and entirely destroyed the connection,
t This account-book is now at Arlington House.

540

APPENDIX.

We are now anxious to know where these disturbers of our peace
will next bend their course ; but rest satisfied that at your ap¬
proach, the plunderers will quit any part of the country they
may have seized upon, with the same disgrace they left the
Jerseys.

You will, no doubt, be surprised to hear of the acquital of
Davis and his accomplices. It has indeed astonished every one
here, except the judges, and the lawyers who defended the crim¬
inals. I was present at the trial, and was clearly satisfied from
the evidence that Davis was guilty — the jury brought in their
verdict to that purpose. But the attorney having omitted to
mention who the enemies of America were, although he accused
Davis of adhering to the enemies of America, the lawyers took
hold of the quibble, and persuaded the judges to overset the ver¬
dict. It is now determined that releasing prisoners of war from
their place of confinement, is not treason against the state. This
judgment, in my opinion, does not reflect much honor on the
talents of our judges, and indeed it is much to be lamented, that
our assembly might have made a much better appointment and
did not do it. Their decision, I am afraid, will be productive
of much injury, for no tory or prisoner of war can be kept in this
state, as those who set them at liberty are subject to no penalty.
Davis was not admitted as an evidence, on account of his having
been a convict, and not having served his seven years, for the
lawyers made this quibble, that no man can be an evidence un¬
less he served the whole time of his conviction. Your kindness
to Davis in giving him two years of his time, had well nigh cost
him his life in this instance, and prevented him from bearing
testimony against two as great villains as himself.

I have the pleasure to acquaint you that the test is generally
taken through the country, few or none hesitating to take it. I
wish our assembly had laid a tax at the same time they made
the test. I am convinced there would have been as little objec¬
tion to the one as the. other ; but unfortunately for us our rulers,
like other men, can not divest themselves of their attachment to
their private gain, many of them being guilty of the crime they

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

541

ought to punish in others, their whole aim being to get immense
fortunes, which some have succeeded in.

When at Philadelphia, I thought nothing could exceed the
price of goods at that place, but I am sorry that I have found
good reason to change my opinion. Our country is crowded
with harpies from Maryland and Pennsylvania, who buy up every
article, and retail them out again at the most intolerable prices,
distressing the poor at a cruel degree. Our assembly provided
nothing against this evil, which we must submit to, without any
hopes of redress, until October, unless the people fall upon means
to redress themselves, which, I fear, they will, from the great
want of salt which these devils have engrossed.

I am happy to inform you that your people at Davenport’s are
recovered from their sickness. They have had a dreadful fever
among them, which has at last subsided. You have a prospect
of a very plentiful crop this year, which is the same through the
country. I have heard some old gentlemen say they do not
remember such prospects of a crop these twenty years past.
There has been more rain since harvest then I remember to
have seen fall at this season of the year. We shall have Plenty
if not Peace this year, but I hope to enjoy both before this time
twelvemonths.

I shall always acknowledge with pleasure the many favors and
kindnesses I have received at your hands, and shall always gladly
do everything to make you some return. I must now beg of
you, sir, to accept, as an instance of gratitude in me, a horse colt,
which was got by Delany’s horse, out of a very fine high-bred
mare, given me by Mr. Calvert. I wish the colt was older, as
he would be more acceptable. He was foaled only in June. He
is a dark bay with a blaze in his face, and, as I am informed, is a
very fine made colt, and large. I must beg of you not to be
scrupulous about accepting the colt, as by doing it, you will
much oblige me.

Nelly joins me in wishing you health and victory over the
enemy, and I am, Honored sir, your most affectionate,

J. P. Custis.

542

APPENDIX.

[EXTRACT OF A LETTER FROM JOHN PARKE CUSTIS TO GENERAL WASHINGTON. j

Eltham, September 11, 1777.

I am sorry that I have nothing to inform you of by the way of
news, except that the militia have turned out to the number of
five thousand very fine men. General Nelson parades twice a
week, and they fire away an amazing quantity of powder, I think
to very little purpose, when we are not overstocked, and the
militia to continue but a short time. The cry against the eastern
troops was beginning to break out with double vigor. Your
letter that I published last winter had the desired effect for some
time, but the enemies to the eastern states concluded that it
was generally forgot in the country. A member of Congress
from this state, wrote to his son, that General Stark had, on
account of some disgust, drawn himself off from the army with
two thousand men. The gentleman asked me in a very large
company, if I knew a General Stark, formerly Colonel Stark. I
told him, yes, and he was looked upon as a brave and good officer.
He replied he knew him to be a damned rascal, and produced
this letter, when the whole company agreed with him. This
letter was greedily circulated about the town, and every one
was abusing the eastern troops as cowards. General Stark has

given a good contradiction to Colonel H - n’s* letter. It is to

be lamented that the gentlemen of Congress can not divest them¬
selves of their private animosities, and give fair and impartial
accounts. I have seen several of his letters filled with the most
bitter invectives against the eastern men ; such conduct tends
only to breed divisions among us, and weaken our glorious cause.

I was prevailed upon yesterday at court to offer myself as a
delegate at the next election in New Kent. The gentlemen
gave me every reason to expect success should they honor me
with the appointment. I am determined to serve them on true
independent principles to the best of my abilities.

Nelly joins me in love, and wishing you a glorious victory over
our enemy, believe me sincerely and affectionately,

J. P. CUSTIS.

* Colonel Harrison.

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

543

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

( Perkiomy Creek in Philadelphia, N. Y.

( September 28, 1777.

Dear Sir: Your letter of the eleventh instant came to my
hands yesterday.

It was always my intention, if agreeable to your mother, to
give you the offer of renting her dower-estate in King William
during my interest therein, so soon as you come of age to act
for yourself. On two accounts I resolved to do this — first, be¬
cause I was desirous of contracting my own business into as
narrow a compass as possible ; and, secondly, because I thought
an estate, so capable of improvement as that is (in the hands of
a person who had a permanent interest in it, and the means
withal) ought not to be neglected till an unfortunate event, and
perhaps a distant one, might put you in possession.

The little attention I have been able to pay to any part of my
own private business for three years last past is the cause why this
among other matters has escaped me, but since you have men¬
tioned it yourself, I have only to add, that it will be quite agree¬
able to me that you should have the land, and everything thereon
except breeding mares, if any, and fillies.

To regulate the rent by the rule you have mentioned, I could
not consent, because, if the plantation had been under good
management, it would have fixed it higher than you ought to
give. If, under bad management, which I believe to be the case,
it would fix it too low, and might settle it at nothing. The
only true criterion is to determine what so much land, with so
much marsh, in such a part of the country, would rent for ; and then
the annual value of so many slaves, estimating them at their pres¬
ent worth, at the same time having respect to the advantages
and disadvantages of the old and the young, as the one is de¬
clining and the other improving.

As you are desirous of having the matter fixed as speedily as
possible — as the distance between us is too great — the season far
advanced — and letters too apt to miscarry to negotiate a business
of this kind, in that way, and as I wish for no more than impar-

544

APPENDIX.

tial gentlemen, unconnected with both of us, shall say I ought to
have ; I am content to leave the valuation of the whole to Gen¬
eral Nelson, Colonel Braxton, and George Webb, Esq. I men¬
tion these gentlemen because they are persons of character, and
because no time may be lost in the appointment.

Whatever rent they shall fix upon the land, and whatever hire
for the negroes, I contentedly will take. The stock of every
kind (except mares and fillies), and plantation utensils and work¬
ing tools may also be valued ; at which you may take them ; by
which means the whole business may be finished at once.

That these gentlemen (if you approve the method of ascertain¬
ing the rent) may know it is with my approbation, the request is
made to them you will show them this letter, and at the same
time apologize in my name for the trouble it will give them if
they are obliging enough to undertake it.

My extreme hurry, especially at this juncture, only allows me
time to give my love to Nelly, and to assure you that I am, with
sincere regard and affection, dear sir, yours,

Geo. Washington.

P. S. In the present fluctuating state of things, there is one
thing which justice to myself and your mother requires me to
condition for, and that is that the rent stipulated shall have some
relative value, to secure an equivalent for the land and slaves ;
otherwise, as the lease will be an absolute conveyance of the
estate from your mother and me, we may at the end of a few
years, if paper money continues to depreciate, get nothing for it.
I do not mean by this to insinuate that I am unwilling to receive
paper money — on the contrary, I shall, with cheerfulness receive
payment in anything that has a currency at the time, but of equal
value then to the intrinsic worth at the time of fixing the rent.
In a word, that I may really, and not nominally, get what was
intended as a rent. Yours, &c.

G. W - n.

John Parke Custis, Esq.

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

545

[CUSTIS TO WASHINGTON.]

Honored Sir : I have intended for several letters past, but as
often forgot it, to ask whether it would be agreeable to you,
to admit Colonel Baylor a partner in the share we have of the
privateer. He was very desirous to become an adventurer, and
I promised to acquaint you of it, but forgot it until now. The
share I own is divided into four parts, Mr. Lund Washington
has one fourth, the remaining three-fourths are divided between
you and myself. If you have no objections, I am willing to
oblige Colonel Baylor with a fourth part of the share. I would
not be understood by this, that I think I have a bad bargain.
On the contrary, I think we have every reason to expect great
success. I propose it altogether to oblige Colonel Baylor, as
he was very desirous of being concerned in the ship. If it is
agreeable to you, you will please to acquaint Colonel Baylor that
we shall look upon him as a partner, and that I should be glad
to know on whom I shall draw for his proportion of the expense.
You will, I hope, sir, excuse this liberty, and believe me, honored,

Your ever affectionate,

J. P. Custis.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

j Whitemarsh, 12 miles from Philadelphia,
} November 14, 1777.

Dear Sir : Your letter of the twenty-sixth ultimo came to my
hands in due course of post. I observe what you say respecting
the renting of Claibornes. It is not my wish to let it for any
longer term than your mamma inclines to, and at no rate, for her
life, unless it is perfectly agreeable to her. This I did conceive
would have been the case (as I think she informed me) to you ;
but if it is not, I am equally well pleased. I am very well con¬
vinced that I can, when time will permit me to attend to my own
business, readily rent the place for my own interest in it, as there
are many that wish for it. If there is but tolerable good grounds
to suspect that the distemper will get among my cattle at Clai¬
bornes, I shall be glad if you would desire Mr. Hill, when you

546

APPENDIX.

next write to him, to dispose of them if he can (provided he also
coincides with you in opinion).

It is much to be wished that a remedy could be applied to the
depreciation of our currency. I know of no person better quali¬
fied to do this than Colonel Mason, and shall be very happy to
hear that he has taken it in hand. Long have I been persuaded
of the indispensable necessity of a tax for the purpose of sinking
the paper money, and why it has been delayed better politicians
than I must account for. What plan Colonel Mason may have
in contemplation for filling up the Virginia regiments I know not,
but certain I am that this is a measure that can not be dispensed
with, nor ought not under any pretext whatsoever. I hope
Colonel Mason’s health will admit his attendance on the assem¬
bly, and no other plea should be offered, much less received by
his constituents.

It is perfectly agreeable, too, that Colonel Baylor should share
part of the privateer. I have spoken to him on the subject ; he
still continues in the same mind, and will write to you on the
subject. I shall therefore consider myself as possessing one
fourth of your full share, and that yourself, Baylor, L. Washing¬
ton, and I, are equally concerned in the share you at first held.

The only articles of intelligence worth communicating I have
written to your mamma, and refer you to that letter. We have
an account, indeed, which seems to gain credit, that Weeks, with
a squadron of ships fitted out of the French ports, under continen¬
tal colors, had taken fifty-three homeward-bound West-Indiamen
(chiefly from Jamaica) in. the English channel ; that Lord Stor¬
mont was recalled from the court of France ; and war expected
every moment between France and Britain. Gfod send it.

Give my love to Nelly, and be assured that with sincere regard
I remain, dear sir, Your most affectionate,

Geo. Washington.

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS. 547

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Valley Forge, February 1, 1778.

Dear Sir : I will just write you a few lines in acknowledgment
of your letter of the fourteenth ultimo, which was detained by
the posts, not being able to cross Susquehanna, till the evening
before last. I congratulate you upon the birth of another daugh¬
ter, and Nelly’s good health ; and heartily wish the last may con¬
tinue, and the other be a blessing to you.

The money received for your land was, I think, well applied,
unless you could have laid it out for other lands more convenient ;
which method I should have preferred, as land is the most per¬
manent estate we can hold, and most likely to increase in its
value. Your mamma is not yet arrived, but if she left Mount
Vernon on the twenty-sixth ultimo, as intended, may, I think, be
expected every hour. Mead set off yesterday (as soon as I got
notice of her intention) to meet her. We are in a dreary kind
of place, and uncomfortably provided ; for other matters I shall
refer you to the bearer, Colonel Fitzgerald, who can give you the
occurrences of the camp, &c., better than can be related in a
letter. My best wishes attend Nelly and the little ones, and with
sincere regard I am and shall ever remain, dear sir,

Your most affectionate,

Geo. Washington.

[MRS. WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS AND WIFE.]

Middlebrook, March the 19th, 1778.

My Dear Children : Not having received any letters from you
the two last posts, I have only to tell you that the general and
myself are well. All is quiet in this quarter. It is from the
southward that we expect to hear news. We are very anxious
to know how our affairs are going in that quarter. Colonel Har¬
rison is not yet arrived at camp. We have heard that he is in
Philadelphia several days ago.

I hear so very seldom from you, that I do n’t know where you
are, or whether you intend to come to Alexandria to live this
spring, or when. The last letter from Nelly she says both the
children have been very ill : they were, she hoped, getting better.

548

APPENDIX.

If you do not write to me I will not write to you again, or till I
get letters from you. Let me know how all friends below are ;
they have forgot to write to me, I believe.

Remember me to all inquiring friends. Give the dear little
girls a kiss for me, and tell Bett I have got a pretty new doll for
her, but don’t know how to send it to her. The general joins
me in love to you both, and begs to be remembered to all our
friends that inquire after us. I am, with sincere love,

Your truly affectionate mother,

Martha Washington.

[CUSTIS TO WASHINGTON.]

Mount Vernon, June 17, 1773.

Honored Sir : When I last did myself the pleasure of writing
you, I was in so great a hurry that I believe my letter was scarce¬
ly legible. I must, therefore, in this, beg an excuse, and likewise
make an apology for not giving you an account of the acts passed
in the last assembly. I herewith transmit you the titles of the
acts, and wish I could send you the acts themselves ; they might
afford you some satisfaction. But through laziness or some other
default the printer has not got them ready ; I will transmit them
as soon as I can get them. The bill for recruiting the army holds
out every inducement to the men to enlist. We found the method
of drafting men, though the best, was the most disagreeable ; we
therefore determined to give them every inducement to enlist,
and if that fails, we shall adopt some kind of draft.

I am sorry to inform you that, great as the advantages are, I
am afraid they will not have the desired effect. Our countrymen
appear to be totally changed. The military ardor, which dis¬
played itself in Virginia in the beginning of this dispute in a dis¬
tinguished manner, appears to be almost extinguished. This
little paltry trade among us has engrossed the attention of all
orders of men, and has increased the price of labor to such an
exorbitant degree that a soldier can not be enlisted. It may ap¬
pear extraordinary, but is very true, that officers are as difficult
to get as men; I mean good ones. The governor has been

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS. 549

obliged to advertise for officers to fill up our state troops, and
from the few applications has been obliged to make a very indif¬
ferent choice. There was a bill brought into the house for regu¬
lating trade, which, I am confident, would have been productive
of good consequences ; but it had too many friends in the house
to let it be injured. The bill was thrown out.

Our delegation to Congress, I am sorry to say, is not so good
as I could wish, or as we might have had, if the act for prevent¬
ing members of Congress sitting in the assembly had been re¬
pealed. A bill for that purpose was brought in and shared the
same fate with the other. I have often wished my colleague had
been present ; we might have prevented this evil. He is most
inexcusable in staying away. He got as far as Colonel Black¬
burn’s and heard the house had broken up. If that act had been
repealed, our delegation would have been very respectable.

I mentioned in my last the arrival of a fifty-gun ship from
Prance. She has brought the most valuable cargo that ever ar¬
rived in one ship. The governor had made a very advantageous
bargain with the captain ; but some scoundrels persuaded the
captain he had sold his goods too cheap, and he was off the bar¬
gain. I have since heard the governor has made a second bar¬
gain. The cloth on board alone cost 80,000 pounds sterling.
There are 4,000 suits ready made ; 20,000 pairs of stockings ;
15,000 pairs of shoes ; T or 8,000 hats ; several thousand shirts
ready made ; besides, a great quantity of linen. She has a great
deal of Burgundy and claret, first quality, and other wines. Her
cargo, the governor told me, cost five millions of livres. The
ship goes out a letter-of-marque, if war should be declared be¬
tween Prance and England, with fifteen thousand hogsheads of
tobacco on board. The state has more than that number on
hand, which was chiefly bought at twenty-five shillings. The
tobacco is to be delivered along side the ship at four pounds per
hundred. We shall, by this means, get the goods on good terms.
This cargo is sufficient to clothe our quota without purchasing
any more, and will prevent the emission of more money for this
purchase.

550

APPENDIX.

I was so unlucky as not to receive your letter in answer to
mine by Mr. Washington ; and I intended to write you fully my
plan in selling my land, by this post ; but, as I have already ex¬
ceeded the bounds of moderation in the length of my letter, I
must defer it to the next post, and remain, as I have ever been,
your most affectionate, J. P. Custis.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

I thank you for your cordial and affectionate congratulations
on our late success at Monmouth, and the arrival of the French
fleet at the Hook. The first might, I think, have been a glorious
day, if matters had begun well in the morning ; but, as the court-
martial, which has been sitting upward of a month for the trial
of General Lee, is not yet over, I do not choose to say anything
on the subject, further than that there evidently appeared a capi¬
tal blunder, or something else, somewhere. The truth, it is to be
hoped, will come out after so long an investigation of it. If it
had not been for the long passage of the French fleet, which pre¬
vented their arrival till after the evacuation of Philadelphia —
or the shallowness of the water at the entrance of the harbor at
New York, which prevented their getting in there — one of the
greatest strokes might have been aimed that ever was ; and, if
successful, which I think would have been reduced to a moral cer¬
tainty, the ruin of Great Britain must have followed, as both
army and fleet must, undoubtedly, have fallen. Count D’Estaing,
with his squadron, are now at Rhode Island, to which place I
have detached troops, and hope soon to hear of some favorable
adventure there, as an attempt will be made upon the enemy at
that place.

After the battle of Monmouth, I marched for this place, where
I have been encamped more than a fortnight. We cut off, by
the present position of the army, all land supplies to the city
of New York, and had the best reasons to believe that the
troops there were suffering greatly for want of provisions ,
but the French fleet, leaving the Hook, opens a door to the sea,

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS. 551

through which, no doubt, they will endeavor to avail them¬
selves.

Give my love to Nelly, Colonel Bassett, and the rest of our
friends, and be assured that I am, with sincere regard and affec¬
tion, Yours, Geo. Washington.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

( Fredericksburg, in the State of New York,
< October 12, 1778.

Bear Sir : I have now, at your request, given my full consent
to the sale of the lands which I hold, in right of dower, in a
tract in the county of York ; to a water grist-mill thereon ; to
lots in the city of Williamsburg, and others in Jamestown ; as
also to your renting, or otherwise disposing of the other dower
land and slaves which I am possessed of in the county of King
William, upon the terms which have been specifically agreed
and subscribed to. But I should think myself wanting in that
friendship and regard which I have ever professed for and en¬
deavored to evince toward you, were I to withhold my advice
from you with respect to the disposal of them.

A moment’s reflection must convince you of two things : first,
that lands are of permanent value ; that there is scarcely a pos-
sibilty of their falling in price, but almost a moral certainty of
their rising exceedingly in value. And, secondly, that our paper
currency is fluctuating, that it has depreciated considerably, and
that no human foresight can, with precision, tell how low it may
get, as the rise or fall of it depends upon contingencies which
the utmost stretch of human sagacity can neither foresee nor
prevent. These positions being granted (and no one can gainsay
the justice of them), it follows that, by parting from your lands,
you give a certainty for an uncertainty, because it is not the
nominal price — it is not ten, fifteen, or twenty pounds an acre —
but the relative value of this sum to specie, or something of sub¬
stantial worth, that is to constitute a good price. The inference,
therefore, I mean to draw, and the advice I shall give in conse¬
quence of it, is this, that you do not convert the lands you now

552

APPENDIX.

hold into cash faster than your present contract with the Alex¬
anders, and a certain prospect of again vesting it in other lands
more convenient, requires of you. This will be treading upon
sure ground. It will enable you to discharge contracts already
entered into, and, in effect, exchange land for land ; for it is a
matter of moonshine to you, considered in that point of view
simply, how much the money depreciates, if you can discharge
one pound with another, and get land of equal value to that you
sell. But far different from this is the case of those who sell
for cash and keep that cash by them, put it to interest, or re¬
ceive it in annual payments ; for, in either of these cases, if our
currency should unfortunately continue to depreciate in the man¬
ner it has done in the course of the last two years, a pound may
not, in the space of two years more, be worth a shilling, the dif¬
ference of which becomes a clear loss to the possessor, and
evinces, in a clear point of view, the force and efficacy of my ad¬
vice to you to pay debts, and vest it in something that will retain
its primitive value ; or rather, in your case, not to part with that
thing of value for money, unless it be with a view to the invest¬
ing it in something of equal value ; and it accounts, at the same
time, for the principle upon which I act with respect to my own
interest in the dower-lands ; for I should be wanting to myself,
and guilty of an inexcusable act of remissness and criminal in¬
justice to your mother not to secure an equivalent for her re-
leasement of dower ; and this might be the case of a nominal
sum that had no relative value to the thing in question, and
which, eventually, might be a means of giving away the estate ;
for it is not the number of pounds, but the worth and what these
pounds will fetch, that is to stamp the value of them. Four hun¬
dred pounds in paper dollars now is, and, I suppose, at the time
of parting with this dower, may be worth one hundred pounds
in specie ; but, two years hence, one hundred pounds in specie
may be worth, and will fetch, one thousand pounds of paper. It
can not be reasonable or just, therefore, to expect that I, or your
mother (if she should be the survivor), should lose this, when no
person, I believe, will undertake to give it as an opinion that the

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

553

value of the dower will decrease, but the direct contrary, as
lands are increasing in their price every day. This, if you will
follow the advice here given, can not be the case with you, let
money depreciate as it will, because with a pound you pay a
pound in discharge of a purchase already made, and for those to
be made you can regulate your sales by your purchases.

It may be said that our money may receive a proper tone
again, and in that case it would be an advantage to turn lands,
&c., into cash for the benefit of the rise. In answer to this, I
shall only observe that this is a lottery; that it may, or may not,
happen ; that, if it should happen, you have lost nothing ; if it
should not, you have saved your estate, which, in the other case,
might have been sunk. Hence it appears that you may play a
good and sure game, so far as it relates to yourself, and, as far as
it respects me, the advantage is wholly on your side ; for in¬
stance, if the difference between specie and paper at this time is
as four to one, and next year is eight to one, it makes no differ¬
ence to you, because the presumption is that tobacco, corn, and
other produce, will rise in proportion to the fall of the money,
and fetch in quantity what it lacks in quality. But, on the other
hand, if the interest was to be fixed at the present difference of
four to one, and should hereafter become as one to one (that is
equal), I should get four times as much as I am content to re¬
ceive, and you would lose it ; from hence, as before, you may
gain, and can not lose, while I get the simple value of the estate,
and can neither gain nor lose, which is all I aim at by fixing the
value of the dower in specie, to be discharged in any money cur¬
rent in the country at the time of payment, at the prevailing ex¬
change or difference between specie and paper. It may possibly
be said that this is setting up a distinction between specie and
paper, and will contribute to its depreciation. I ask if there is
a man in the United States that does not make a distinction
when four to one is the difference, and whether it is in the power
of an individual to check this evil when Congress, and the
several assemblies, are found unequal to the task ? Not to re¬
quire, or contract for, the actual payment in specie, but to keep

554

APPENDIX.

this as much out of sight as possible, in common cases that are
to have an immediate operation, is all that can be expected ;
but, in a bargain that may exist for twenty years, there should
be something to insure mutual advantage, which advantage,
though every man can judge of in the transactions of a day, no
one can do it when it is to be extended to years, under the pres¬
ent fluctuating state of our paper bills of credit.

My design in being thus particular with you, is to answer two
purposes : first, to show my ideas of the impropriety of parting
with your own lands faster than you can invest the money in
other lands (comprehending those already purchased) ; and,
secondly, to evince to you the propriety of my own conduct in
securing to myself and your mother the intrinsic value, neither
more nor less, of the dower-estate. I have only one. piece of ad¬
vice more to give, and that is, to aim rather at the exchange than
sale of your lands ; and I think, among those gentlemen men¬
tioned in a former letter, you may find chapmen. I am with
very sincere regard,

Your affectionate friend and servant,

Geo. Washington.

To Parke Custis, Esq.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Fredericksburg, New York, October 26, 1778.

Dear Jack : If my brother, to whom the enclosed is addressed,
should not be a member of assembly, and in Williamsburg, I
should be glad if you would continue it to him by a safe hand.

The enemy still continue to keep us in suspense and baffle all
conjecture — they have five or six thousand men at this time ac¬
tually on board transports, lying in New York bay ; and a fleet
of more than a hundred sail left the Hook on the twentieth
instant for England ; said to contain invalids, officers of the
reduced corps, &c.

This fleet comprehended empty provision ships, merchant ships,
and private adventurers, taking the benefit of a convoy; at
the same time Admiral Byron with fourteen or fifteen sail of the
line, and some frigates, sailed from the Hook, with the design,

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

555

as is supposed, to blockade the French squadron at Boston, and
keep them shut in there till the transports can get advanced to
their respective places of destination.

It still remains a matter of great uncertainty, whether the
enemy mean to evacuate New York or not. I do not myself
think they will, but can give no better reason for their staying
than that they ought to go — their uniform practice is to run
counter to all expectation. I am, therefore, justified in my con¬
clusion in the present instance.

I forgot when you were here to desire that you would let your
vessel bring up to Mount Vernon all the nails and other stores
which had been imported for the use of my plantation at Clai¬
borne’s, and not delivered out. These I shall want myself.
The nails are of great importance to me.

My love to Nelly, if with you, and compliments to all friends.
Sincerely and affectionately, I am yours,

Geo. Washington.

P. S. — When you come, or send to Mount Yernon, let my mare
be brought.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Fredericksburg, October 30, 1778.

Dear Sir : The letter herewith sent for Mr. Hill is left open
for your perusal ; after reading which, seal and cause it to be
safely delivered. He will find my sentiments fully expressed,
and I hope will make no further appeals to me on the subject of
his wages.

You had better take the whole crop of corn, fodder, <fcc., so
soon as measured, at such a price as Colonel Bassett shall fix,
and if the same thing was done respecting the wheat, it would
be best also to avoid a divided interest, and distracting the
attention of the overseer between your property and mine, in
order to keep it separate on the plantation, and in the sale of it.
The tobacco I expect, and hope you will positively direct Daven¬
port to carry to the warehouse as soon as possible, that it may
not be wasted, or in any degree be injured by keeping it on hand.

When it is inspected, it is my wish that his share be imme-

556

APPENDIX.

diately given to him, and my part put into the hands of Colo¬
nel Bassett, to be sold at such times, and for such prices as
his judgment shall direct. If you do not incline to take the corn
and wheat upon the terms mentioned before, I beg that it be im¬
mediately sold, so soon as it is out of the shuck and straw ; as I
would not wish to have it lay in barns or corn-houses five days
my property, in expectation of a good market, if it can be toler¬
ably well sold at the time and in the manner I have mentioned,
having little expectation that Davenport, after his connection
with me ceases, will give that attention to my property as he
would to those on whom he immediately depended for his place
and employment. The cotton, I presume, your mother will
want ; it should therefore be got in order to come round when
you shall find occasion to send your vessel to Potomac.

We are yet in a state of suspense respecting the enemy’s in¬
tentions of evacuating New York wholly, or in part; circum¬
stances daily arising to justify one in the adoption of either
opinion. A considerable embarkment of troops has actually
taken place, and is still continuing. One hundred and fifty
transports are now at the Hook ready for sea. A few days,
therefore, must, I should think, develop Sir Harry’s designs. I
have no doubt, as I have mentioned in my former letter, that the
West Indies is their object. My love to Nelly, and compliments
to all friends. I am yours, affectionately.

Geo. Washington.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Philadelphia, January 2, 1779.

Dear Sir: Your letter of the twelfth of last month from
Williamsburg is got safe to hand, and I am obliged to you for
the deed which you have got from the secretary’s office in Kich-
mond, and purposed bringing to Lund Washington.

You say, I shall be surprised at the slow progress made by
your assembly in the passage of the bills through both houses.
I really am not, nor shall I, I believe, be again surprised at any¬
thing ; for it appears to me that idleness and dissipation seems

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS. 557

to have taken such fast hold of every body, that I shall not be at
all surprised if there should be a general wreck of everything.

From my former knowledge of Finney, and what you said
(when at camp) of his conduct respecting a contract for corn, I
could not help mentioning the matter to the quartermaster-gen¬
eral, who wishes to know the precise circumstances of the case,
that he may take measures accordingly. If my memory has not
failed me, you said that Finney agreed to give Mr. Geo. Webb
40s. a barrel for some certain quantity, or all that he could pur¬
chase, and that Webb immediately sent, or rode up York river
himself and purchased the corn at 25s. or 30s. a barrel.

If this is a fact, and if I recollect right, you spoke of it with¬
out reserve, it is such a violent imposition upon the public, and
such a proof of his indolence, to say no worse of it, and unfitness
for such a place of trust as to remove him from office. I would
not have you say more of him than you know can be proved, lest
it should recoil. I think you mentioned some other circumstance
relative to a contract of Finney with Mr. Braxton. Let me
hear from you by the first post on this subject. My love to
Nelly and the children. Your mother will, I expect, write to
you, as she is with me here, and well. Yours, affectionately,

Geo. Washington.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

West Point, November 10, 1779.

Dear Sir: Your letter of the seventh of last month came
duly to hand, and should have been acknowledged sooner, but
for the load of business which has pressed upon me of late.

With respect to the valuation of the cattle (by Colonel Bas¬
sett), you had of me last fall, I do not conceive there will be
real occasion for any dispute. I want nothing but justice, and
as you declare your willingness to do this, we can not disagree ;
but, as the matter was confided to Colonel Bassett, it will, in
point of respect, if nothing more, be necessary to know upon
what principle he made the valuation, which, when obtained, I
shall be able to give you a decisive answer ; and as you are now

558

APPENDIX.

together, you can request him to favor me with the reasons that
governed him in this business. However you may have under¬
stood it, I do not conceive that it ever was my promise or inten¬
tion that you should have picked and culled the cattle ; and if it
was done, you surely can not wish to fix the valuation of the
refuse , as a criterion for the appraisement of the chosen ; con¬
sequently, the prices annexed to those which were left on the
plantation can be no just rule for estimating the value of those
of better quality which were brought off. The remainder of a
small stock of cattle, after selecting forty-eight head of the best,
may be of little worth, while the number chosen may be very
valuable, and is so much opposed to the separation of them, that
I think there must have been a misunderstanding if you conceive
that I agreed to your culling the stock. My idea of the matter,
as far as recollection can carry me, is, that you were to take the
whole at an appraised value, or the whole was to be sold at
public auction. The whole would have invited purchasers and
competitors, but a few of the refuse must have brought on deri¬
sion and resentment if people had been assembled at a sale of
them. When you can get Colonel Bassett to state his sense of
the matter to me, I shall be able to determine finally and with¬
out delay.

We have waited so long in anxious expectation of the French
fleet at the Hook, without hearing anything from it, or of it,
since its first arrival at Georgia, that we begin to fear that some
great convulsion in the earth has caused a chasm between this
and that state that can not be passed ; or why, if nothing is done,
or doing, are we not informed of it ? There seems to be the strang¬
est fatality, and the most unaccountable silence attending the
operations to the southward that can be conceived — every mea¬
sure in this quarter is hung in the most disagreeable state of
suspense — and despair of doing anything, advanced as the season
is, and uncertainty of the count’s co-operating to any extent, if
he should come, is succeeding fast to the flattering ideas we but
lately possessed.

Nothing new has taken place since the evacuation of Rhode

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

559

Island, excepting a preparation of transports at New York, suf¬
ficient for the embarkation of about four thousand men, which,
it is said, Lord Cornwallis is to command. The destination
of them is at present unknown, but conjectured to be for the
West Indies.

Remember me affectionately to your uncles Bassett and Dan-
dridge, and our other friends in that quarter, and be assured
that I am, with great regard and much truth, yours affectionately.

Geo. Washington.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

West Point, August 24, 1779.

Dear Sir: In answer to your letter of the 11th inst., I can¬
didly acknowledge I am at a loss what advice to give you, with
precision, respecting the sale of your estate upon the eastern
shore ; but, upon the whole, in the present uncertain state of
things, should, were I in your place, postpone the measure a
while longer.

Your own observation must have convinced you of the rapid
depreciation of the paper currency in the course of the last
ten months, and this it will continue to do till there is a stop put
to further emissions, and till some vigorous measures are adopted
by the states respectively and collectively to lessen the circula¬
ting medium. You must be sensible that it is not forty thousand
pounds, nor four hundred thousand, nor any nominal sum what¬
ever, that would give you the value of the land in Northampton.
Instance your unfortunate sale of the York estate to Colonel
Braxton for twenty thousand pounds, which, I suppose, would
now fetch one hundred thousand pounds, and, unless for the
purpose of speculating in that or some other article, this sum, I
am persuaded, would be refused by that gentleman. The present
profit of your land on the Eastern shore may be trifling — nay, I
will admit that, at this time, it is an encumbrance to you — but
still it retains in itself an intrinsic and real value, which rises
nominally in proportion to the depreciation, and will always be
valuable, if (admitting the worst) the money should cease to

560

APPENDIX.

pass. But, though the event is not probable, I will suppose that
to be the case, or that it should. continue to depreciate, as it has
done, for the last ten months, where are you then ? Bereft of
your land, and in possession of a large sum of money that will
neither buy victuals nor clothes.

There are but two motives which ought, and, I trust, can, in¬
duce you to sell : the one is to invest the money in the purchase
of something else of equal value immediately ; the other, to place
it in the public funds. If the first is your object, I have no hesi¬
tation in giving my opinion in favor of the sale ; because lands
at so great a distance from you never will be profitable, and your
only consideration is to be careful in your bargains elsewhere,
making the prices of the thing sold and the things bought cor¬
respond with respect to times and places. In fact, this is but
another name for barter or exchange ; but, when the other is
your inducement, the whole matter turns upon the credit and
appreciation of the money, and these again upon financing, loans,
taxes, war, peace, good success, bad success, the arts of design¬
ing men, mode of redemption, and other contingent events, which,
in my judgment, very few men see far enough into to justify a
capital risk ; consequently you would be playing a hazardous,
and possibly, in the issue, a ruinous game, for the chance of hav¬
ing sold at the turn of the tide, as it were, when there is not
much fear of foregoing this advantage by any sudden apprecia¬
tion of our money. In a word, by holding your land a few
months longer, you can only loose the taxes ; by selling, to place
the money in the fund, you may lose considerably. Selling to
buy, as I have before said, I consider as an exchange only ; but
then both bargains should be made at the same time. This was
my advice to you before, and I now repeat it; otherwise the
purchases you have in contemplation may rise fifty per cent, be¬
tween your sale and the final accomplishment of them.

I observe what you say also respecting payment of your old
bonds, and have less scruple in giving it to you as my opinion
that you are not bound, in honor or by any principle of reason
or love to your country, to accept payment of such as are upon

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

561

demand, and were given previous to the contest and to the de¬
preciation of the money at the present nominal value of it, by
which a just debt, and where great indulgences have been shown
the creditor in forbearance, is discharged at the rate of a shil¬
ling in the pound. Every man who is a friend to the cause is to
receive the money in all payments, and to give it a circulation
as free as the air he breathes in ; but it is absurd and repugnant
to every principle of honor, honesty, and common sense, to say
that one man shall receive a shilling in the pound of another for
a just debt when that other is well able to pay twenty shillings,
and the same means which enabled him to pay the one formerly
will enable him, with as much ease, to pay the other now.

It is necessary for me to premise that I am totally unac¬
quainted with your laws on this head, and the consequences of a
refusal. I am only arguing, therefore, in behalf of the reason
and justice of my opinion, and on the presumption that all law
is founded in equity. The end and design, therefore, of this (if
there is such a one as compels payment under certain penalties
and forfeitures) could only be to give credit and circulation to
the bills in all payments, not to enrich one man at the ruin of
another, which is most manifestly the case at present, and is such
a glaring abuse of common justice that I can not but wonder at
the practice obtaining.

Our affairs, at present, put on a pleasing aspect, especially in
Europe and the West Indies, and bids us, I think, hope for the
certain and final accomplishment of our independence. But, as
peace depends upon our allies equally with ourselves, and Great
Britain has refused the mediation of Spain, it will puzzle, I con¬
ceive, the best politicians to point out with certainty the limita¬
tion of our warfare.

Experience, which is the best rule to walk by, has, I am told,
clearly proved the utility of having the ditch for draining of sunken
grounds on the inside, and at a considerable distance (for instance,
two shovels’ throw) from the bank, consequently is a better crite¬
rion to judge from than the simple opinion of your ditcher, who
may govern himself by the practice of other countries that will not

562

APPENDIX.

apply to tlie circumstance of this, when there may be enemies to
our banks unknown, perhaps, to them.

We have given the enemy another little stroke in the sur¬
prise of Powles-hook* (within cannon-shot of New York), and
bringing off seven officers and one hundred and fiffcy-one men,
commissioned officers and privates. This was a brilliant trans¬
action, and performed by a detachment of Virginians and
Marylanders, under the command of Major Lee,f of the light
dragoons, with the loss of not more than ten or a dozen men.
The colors of the garrison were also brought off.

Remember me affectionately to Nelly and the children ; give
my compliments to any inquiring friends, and be assured that,
with the truest regard, I am yours,

Geo. Washington.

[CUSTIS TO WASHINGTON.]

Mount Vernon, October 26, 1779.

Honored Sir: Your two letters, of the 20tli ult., were hand¬
ed to me by Colonel Hooc, on my way from Eltham. I am much
obliged to you for your kind advice respecting the sale of my
land in King and Queen. My principal reason for wanting to
sell it soon, is this : the houses are now in good repair, and will
sell better on that account ; the land is too mean to make it
worth my while to keep negroes there with a prospect of mak¬
ing a crop, when I could employ them otherwise to more advan¬
tage. It would not do for me to leave the house and plantation
without some one to take care of them. They would, in that
case, be soon in such a situation that would make them sell for
less than they would now do. I have fixed upon three pounds
per acre as my lowest price, which I believe I shall get, and
perhaps more. I am in hopes to purchase F. Foster’s land for
the money I sell my land for, which will be the greatest addi¬
tion to my estate in N. Kent. My being so unlucky in not
receiving your letter before I left Williamsburg, prevented my

* Paulus’s Hook, now Jersey City,
t Major Henry Lee ; afterward governor of Virginia.

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

563

applying to Mr. Wythe about drawing the deed between us ; but,
as a delay in this matter will not be productive of bad conse¬
quences, and from the favorable reports circulating among us, I
am in hopes shortly to hear that Howe is in the same situation
with Burgoyne, which I pray God may happen, I shall once
more have the pleasure of seeing you at Mount Vernon, when we
shall have leisure to settle this matter. But if this desirable event
should not happen, I intend myself the pleasure of visiting camp
shortly, and we may then have an opportunity of doing this
business.

I believe I shall be obliged to postpone settling the rent of
your plantation in King William until that wished-for period,
as mamma seems to have some objections to renting it during
her life, and it would not answer my purpose to rent it on any
other terms. When I first wrote to you, I thought she had no
objections ; but, since I received your letter, I have talked
to her on that subject, and it does not appear to be perfectly
agreeable to her to part with the place altogether during life.
When I wrote to you, I was at some loss how to employ those
hands that now work on the King and Queen land to advan¬
tage ; but, since that time, I have fallen on a plan of employing
them in making meadows, which, I think, will turn out to as much
advantage as anything I can set them about. I am very sorry
to inform you that I am afraid your stock can not possibly escape
the distemper another summer ; indeed, I am so thoroughly con¬
vinced of it that I am determined, as the most prudent method, to
sell all my cattle that have not had the distemper, and get those
that have had it, both in N. Kent and King and William. The
distemper has killed fifty odd head for Mr. Dandridge, and sev¬
eral for Mr. Braxton. It is a miracle we escaped this summer ;
we can hardly expect to do it another, as *the malady is on each
side of us.

Our neighbor, Colonel Mason is preparing a remedy against
the depreciation of our money, which I think will do him great v
credit. He is preparing a bill for a general assessment on all
property, by which he withdraw in £5,000,000 per annum. His

564

APPENDIX.

valuation of property is very low, which will render his plan
very agreeable to the people. He has, likewise, a plan for re¬
cruiting our army, which I think a very good one ; but I am
fearful they will not succeed, by his not attending the assembly
which met last Monday. He proposed to set off this day ; but,
as it is a rainy day, he will be disappointed. I wish he may set
off when the weather will permit ; his attendance in assembly is
of the greatest importance to this state, as it was never so badly
represented as at present.

Nelly joins me in wishing you health, victory, and every bless¬
ing in this world, and believe me, honored sir,

Your most affectionate,

T. P. Custis.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Morristown, January 20, 1780.

Dear Custis : I should have acknowledged the receipt of your
letter of the twelfth ult. long since, but for the many important
matters which have claimed my attention.

My letter which missed you on its passage to Williamsburg,
will acquaint you (as there is little doubt of its having got to
hand long ere this) of the footing I proposed to put the valu¬
ation of the cattle upon that you had of me. I only wished to
hear upon what principle Colonel Bassett acted, as I thought it
ungenteel to give a gentleman the trouble of performing a service
and disregard it so much afterwards as not even to inquire upon
what grounds he went — as I want nothing but justice, and this
being your aim, it is scarce possible for us to disagree — but there
is one thing which ought to be held in remembrance, and I men¬
tion it accordingly, and that is, that I should get no more real
value for my cattle at <£40 apiece, payable in the fall of 1779,
than I should have got at £10 the preceding fall, provided the
money had been then paid. For example — you could have got
' two barrels of corn in 1778 for £10, and I can get no more now
for £40. With respect to other things it is the same. It would
be very hard, therefore, by keeping me out of the use of the

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

565

money a year, to reduce the debt three-fourths of the original
value — which is evidently the case, because the difference be¬
tween specie and paper, in the fall of 1T78, was about four for
one only — now the difference is upwards of thirty, consequently,
ten pounds paid at that period was equal to 50s. good money ;
but paid at this day, is not worth, nor will it fetch more than a
dollar. Had the money been paid and put into the loan office
at the time you say the cattle ought to have been valued, I
should have received a proportionate interest — that is, as the
money depreciated the nominal sum for the interest would, by a
resolve of Congress, have increased, and I should have got the
real value in the interest ; whereas, if you pay me <£10 in loan-
office certificates of this date for my cattle, I shall received for
every £10 or 50s., which is the relative worth of it, according
to the then difference of exchange, one dollar and no more.

These are self-evident truths;' and nothing, in my opinion, is
more just and reasonable, if you can come at, and do fix the
value of the cattle at what they were worth in the fall of 1778,
and would then have been appraised at, that you should pay
loan-office certificates of that date ; for had you paid me the money
at that time, I should have lent it to the public, if there had
been no other use for it, as it is not a custom with me to keep
money to look at.

This reasoning may, in part, be considered as an answer to so
much of your letter of the twelfth of December, as relates to the
payment of the annuity for the dower-estate. You do not seem
disposed to make the just and proper distinction between real
and nominal sums. A dollar is but a dollar, whether it passes
in silver at 6s., or paper at £6, or sixty pounds. The nominal
value, or the name, is but an empty sound, and you might as well
attempt to pay me in oak leaves, with which I can purchase
nothing, as to give me paper money that has not a relative value
to the rent agreed on.

If you have been unfortunate in your crops, or in the means of
raising money from your estate, I am sorry for it, and do not by
any means wish to put you to an inconveniency in paying the

566

APPENDIX.

rent at this time which became due the first of this month. It
may lie till my wants, or your convenience is greater, but as it
was certainly the expectation of us both that this annuity was to
be raised and paid out of the produce of your crops, a moment’s
reflection and calculation must convince you that it is full as
easy to do it at this day (if you have those crops) as at any
period before or since the war began, because the difference be¬
tween the old and present prices of every article raised upon a
plantation or farm, bears at least an equal proportion to the
difference between specie and paper. It is a matter of little
consequence then, whether you pay <£30 in paper or 20s. in
specie, when the same quantity of corn, wheat, tobacco, or any
other article you possess will fetch the former with more ease
now, than it would the latter in the best of times.

The fact is, that the real difference between the prices of all kinds
of country produce now and before the war, is greater than between
specie and paper. The latter, in Philadelphia, being about thirty,
when it is well known that the former, in many things, is at
least a hundred, and in scarce any article less than forty. Wit¬
ness flour, wheat, Indian corn, &c., which are the great articles
of produce of every "Virginia estate. It is the unusualness of
the idea, and high sound which alarms you in this business ; for
supposing the difference to be thirty prices, and in consequence
you pay £15,750, I neither get nor do you pay a farthing more
that £525, because, as I have already observed, less corn, wheat,
&c. will enable you to pay the former now, than it would take
to pay the latter while they were at their old and accustomed
prices— calling the sum, therefore, which you pay to me £15,750
or £525, is a matter of moonshine, as it is the thing, not the
name, that is to be regarded.

I have wrote to Mr. Lund Washington concerning Sheredine’s
point, but am in some doubt whether the strip of land will com¬
pensate the expense of the bank which must be lengthy. I have
left it to him, however, to determine this matter, and to apply
for the ditchers (who were about to leave you) if he should
want them. If your banks are not properly executed, it is to be

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS. 567

feared you will find more plague from the muskrats and other
vermin than you seem to apprehend, when the warm weather re¬
turns.

I am glad to hear that your assembly are disposed to exert
themselves in the great work of appreciation. I heartily wish
them success in the attempt. We have nothing new in this
quarter. The weather has been, and now is intensely cold, and
we are beginning to emerge from the greatest distress on account
of the want of provisions.

My love to Nelly and the children, and I am sincerely and
affectionately yours,

Geo. Washington.

John P. Custis, Esq.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Peekskill, August 6, 1780.

Dear Custis : Your letter of the 26th of July came to my hands
yesterday, and I thank you for the account given of the proceed¬
ings of the assembly. If you had not adopted the finance scheme,
I should have thought the omission unpardonable, as it must, in
a manner, have set our money afloat again, when every measure
which human policy is capable of devising ought to be adopted
to give it a fixed and permanent value. I much fear your act
for raising three thousand men will rather fall short than exceed
that number, because it is our fortune to have such kind of laws
(though most important) badly executed, and such men as are
raised dissipated and lost before they join the army. Your
scheme for association I must approve ; it is certainly high time
to retrench in all kinds of extravagance, and to adopt the most
economical plans, that, by a return to virtue, we may be the bet¬
ter able to support the war and bring it to a happy issue.* In
consequence of General Clinton’s embarking a considerable part
of the force at New York, and sailing down the sound for
Rhode Island, I put my troops in motion and crossed at King’s
ferry, where, assembling my whole force, was determined to

* Mr. Custis was now a member of the Virginia house of burgesses.

568

APPENDIX.

make a vigorous effort to possess myself of the city. This
brought him back again, and, though I am disappointed by it,
has answered the end of relief to the French troops at Rhode
Island, which was the object of his destination. I am now, for
the sake of shortening our transportation of provisions and
forage, recrossing the river, and shall move down toward Dobbs’
ferry till our reinforcements (not a fourth of which are yet come
in) arrive, and the supplies which are to enable us to commence
the operations of the campaign.

My love to Nelly and the children, and compliments to in¬
quiring friends. I am, with much truth and sincerity,

Your affectionate friend and servant,

Geo. Washington.

[WASHINGTON TO CUSTIS.]

Camp, near Dobbs’ ferry, July 25, 1781.

Dear Custis : Your letter of the 11th, covering certain pro¬
posals which were made by you to Mr. Robert Alexander, came
safe by the last post. I read the letter with attention, and, as
far as I can form a judgment without seeing the mortgage, or
having recourse to the original agreement, and the missives
which may have passed, think they are founded on principles of
liberality and justice.

How far the purchase on your part, and the sale on Alexan
der’s, was a matter of speculation at the time of bargaining,
yourselves and the nature of the agreement can alone determine
If, from the tenor of your contract, you were to pay paper
money — if this paper money was at that time in a depreciated
state, and the difference between it and specie fixed and proved
— and if, moreover, Alexander, like many others, entertained
an opinion that it would again appreciate, so as that a paper
dollar would be of equal value with a silver one — it might be
more just than generous (when we consider that paper is, in fact,
worth little or nothing) to let him abide the consequences of his
opinion by paying him in depreciated paper ; because the pre¬
sumption is that he would have made no allowance for apprecia-

LETTERS OF WASHINGTON AND J. P. CUSTIS.

569

tion, though the former should be of equal value with the latter,
pound for pound. But this, as I have before observed, depends
upon the nature of the bargain, and the light in which the mat¬
ter was understood at the time it was made by both parties.

If the bargain was unaccompanied by particular circum¬
stances, and had no explanatory meaning, but simply imported
that so much money was to be given for so much land, to be
paid on or before a certain period, it is certainly optional in you
to discharge it at any time you please short of that period. But
I conceive that this can only be done by an actual tender of the
money, and that there is no legal obligation upon Alexander to
take your bond (with any security whatever) , and that the only
chance you have of his doing it, is the fear of losing the original
debt, or the interest of it, by refusing the tender you propose to
make him of <£48,000 at this time ; for I lay it down as a maxim
that no man can be compelled to change the nature of his debt,
or alter the security of it, without his own consent.

I have before said, that, for want of the mortgage, or a better
knowledge of all the circumstances attending your bargain, it is
impossible for me to give a decided opinion. Your proposals
appear to me to be fair and equitable ; but what views Alexan¬
der may have had, and how far he is prepared to obtain those
views, by written or other valid proof, I am unable to say. As
an honest man, he ought to be content with justice, and justice I
think you have offered him.

You may recollect that I disliked the terms of your bargain
when they were first communicated to me, and wished then that
you might not find them perplexing and disadvantageous in the
issue, as I now do, that you may settle the matter with honor
and satisfaction to yourself.

It gave me pain to hear that your people had been so much
afflicted with sickness, and that you thought your son in danger.
It would give me equal pleasure to learn that he and the rest of
your family were restored to perfect health. That so few of our
countrymen have joined the enemy, is a circumstance as pleasing
to me as it must be mortifyingly decisive to them of the fallacy

570

APPENDIX.

of their assertion, that two-thirds of the people were in their
interest, and ready to join them when opportunity offered. Had
this been the case, the marquis’s forces, and the other one-third,
must have abandoned the country.*

I am much pleased with your choice of a governor.! He is
an honest man — active, spirited, and decided, and will, I am
persuaded, suit the times as well as any person in the state.
You were lucky, considering the route by which the enemy re¬
treated to Williamsburg, to sustain so little damage. I am of
opinion that Lord Cornwallis will establish a post at Portsmouth,
detach part of his force to New York, and go with the residue
to South Carolina.

I returned yesterday from (with Count de Rochambeau and
the engineers of both armies) the enemy’s work near Kings-
bridge ; we lay close by them two days and a night, without any
attempt on their part to prevent it. They begun and continued
a random kind of cannonade, but to very little effect. I am
waiting impatiently for the men the states (this way) have been
called upon for, that I may determine my plan and commence
my operations.

My best wishes attend Nelly (who I hope is perfectly recov¬
ered) and the little girls. My compliments await inquiring
friends, and I am,

Sincerely and affectionately, yours,

Geo. Washington.

Jno. P. Ctjstis, Esq.

* The Marquis de Lafayette, then in command in Virginia, opposing the inva¬
sion of Cornwallis.

t Thomas Nelson.

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

571

NOTE II. — Pag e 61.

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

A FUNERAL ORATION BY GEORGE WASHINGTON PARKE OUSTIS .*

And is it left for the stranger, my friends, to speak your
Hero’s praise ? I never fed at his board, I never drank of his
cup, nor did the cheering smile of welcome, ever meet me at his

* This oration, in connection with an account of the funeral solemnities at George¬
town, was published in pamphlet form at Washington city, soon after its delivery.
The explanatory notes accompanying this oration were written by the editor of the
pamphlet at the period of its publication ; and, though deeply infused with strong
partisan sentiments, they are valuable at this time as illustrative of the intense excite¬
ment and party rancor which culminated in the political mob at Baltimore, in which
General Lingan and others lost their lives. These notes were originally inserted at
the end of the oration ; for the convenience of the reader, they are herein given at the
bottom of the pages to which they have reference.

The editor in his preface says : “ On Tuesday the first of September, 1812, funeral
honors were paid to the memory of General James M. Lingan. While his mangled
body, which had been vouchsafed by his murderers to one mourning relative for secret
burial, slept in some obscure, neglected grave, the citizens of Columbia and part of the
states of Maryland and Virginia, impressed with a just admiration of his worth, con¬
vened at Georgetown to perform the duteous offices of piety and affection, and hallow
the memory of the illustrious dead. The notice of the projected solemnities had barely
extended to the nearer counties, but such was the eagerness testified, wherever the
notice reached, to do honor to the obsequies of the departed hero, that, had it ex¬
tended further, we may fairly believe the funeral train would have been worthy of an
emperor. So numerous were the mourners, that it was found necessary to substi¬
tute for a church, which had been originally selected, a shady eminence in the neigh¬
borhood of the city.”

The procession moved from the Union hotel in the following order: “ Marshals
on horseback ; four clergymen of different denominations ; the committee of arrange¬
ment ; Mr. Custis, of Arlington, the orator of the day ; music ; Captain Stulls rifle
corps, commanded by Lieutenant Kurtz ; the hearse, with the horses clad in mourn¬
ing, and eight venerable pall-bearers, with white scarfs; Mr. George Lingan, the
general’s son, as chief mourner; the general’s horse in mourning, led by a groom ;
family and relatives of the deceased in coaches ; the wounded veteran, Major Mus-
grove, who survived the midnight massacre in which his brother-soldier fell, bearing
the general’s sword, and supported by two heroes of the Revolution ; Mr. Hanson,
and other survivors of the band who defended liberty and the press ; veteran band
of the Revolution; strangers of distinction; citizens from the counties of Mont¬
gomery, Baltimore, Frederick, Charles, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s, and from

572

APPENDIX.

hospitable threshold. Sure then, no partial motives can influ¬
ence the sentiments which I am about to utter. Yet as the
brave man who fought the battles of my country’s liberty, is to

the cities of Georgetown, Washington, and Alexandria; Captain Peter’s troop of
horse, commanded by Lieutenant John S. Williams ; marshals on horseback.

“ The train moved to the music of a funeral dirge. During its march minute-
guns were fired from the first ship ever built in Georgetown, which was this day
decorated with mourning flags, and named The General Lingan. Many of the stores
were hung with black. A solemn stillness pervaded the streets. When the proces¬
sion reached the ground, the troops opened to receive it. Gray -headed men, who
had long bid adieu to the bustle of public life, and whose pursuits, with their years,
had ‘ dwindled to a narrow span,’ ennobled with their presence this interesting scene.
The effects produced by the appearance of the military — of the aged Revolutionary
heroes, who came from all quarters to mourn for their departed brother-in arms —
of the weeping family of the deceased — and of those who, though covered with
wounds, survived the tremendous massacre in which Lingan fell, was indescribable.

“ We do not regret that circumstances rendered it necessary to perform the cere¬
monies in the* open air. The platform overhung by lofty oaks, among whose
branches the venerable tent of Washington — ‘The Pretorium of Virtue,’ — was
suspended for a canopy, exhibited a patriarchial simplicity which carried back the
mind to the earlier ages of the world. Here sat clergymen of different denomina¬
tions, officers of the procession, and the orator of the day. Immediately around it
were placed the veteran band of the Revolution. The venerable Major Musgrove,
pale and disfigured by wounds received in the massacre, took the centre, supported
by Colonel Stuart and Major Stoddart, who had shed their best blood and devoted
their best days in the battles of their country. The front benches were occupied by
the family of Lingan, together with Mr. Hanson and surviving members of the band
who had gallantly defended the rights of freemen and the liberty of the press. Near
them, shaded by trees, an immense and brilliant assemblage of ladies and gentlemen
from all parts of the adjacent country. The ceremonies commenced with introduc¬
tory prayers from the Reverend Mr. Addison, and concluded with appropriate pray¬
ers from the Reverend Mr. Balch. The oration of Mr. Custis was extemporaneous.
It riveted the attention of the audience ; the solemn stillness which reigned was only
interrupted by sighs and tears.”

The tent of Washington that overhung the platform, was at that time “in good
preservation, though bearing the marks of six-and-thirty years’ service. It should
be remembered that the same canvass which now enjoys the calm, braved the storms
of the Revolution, from the disastrous battle of Long island, to the glorious victory
of Yorktown — that within this tent, the captured Cornwallis surrendered the sword
which had wasted America, and became a guest where he had expected to have been
a conqueror.”

“The venerable and pious widow of the general, from a special request of Mr.
Custis, had arrived at Georgetown to attend the obsequies of her martyred husband.
On the morning of the first of September, a ruffian paraded, as if to insult the sor¬
rows of this excellent lady, before the hotel, with a bloody spear and military cap
stained with blood, and inscribed, ‘Federal Republican.’ Mrs. Lingan, who had
hitherto borne up against her griefs, now dissolved in tears, and became so over¬
powered as to be unable to leave the hotel, although many ladies offered to support
her in the train. All her family, however, attended.

“ Toward the base and unmanly insults offered on this day of mourning, federal-

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

573

bo the subject of my praise ; as the illustrious citizen who died
in defence of one of the dearest rights which freemen can boast,
is to be the hero of my tale ; I can only say, my friends, that
were my powers commensurate with my zeal, I would hope on
this day to do honor to his memory.

By what standard of patriotism shall we try your Lingan ?
Shall we try him by the standard of modern patriots ; mushrooms
of yesterday, who have grown up from the soil, first fattened by
the blood of heroes ? or rather, shall we try him by the illus¬
trious standard of ’seventy-six ? Look to the mighty period
which tried men’s souls ; look into the embattled ranks of liber¬
ty’s host, and there will you find your Lingan ! Witness the
dreadful combat of Long Island, where the famous Maryland
regiment, after bearing the brunt of the day, were nearly anni¬
hilated and cut to pieces. Again behold him at the storming of
Fort Washington, and then you may change the scene.* You

ists, with calm dignity, declared, ‘ Our work, is the work of piety and peace ; but i f
a dagger is raised against us, there are men, and good men enough here, to walk
over the body of the assassin.’ When told that bayonets were glittering in their
neighborhood, it was observed, ‘ We are going to the tent of Washington — let it bo
the winding-sheet of his children !’ ”

“ Colonel Philip Stuart of Charles,” who occupied a seat on the platform beside
Major Musgrove, was “ the gallant officer who led the forlorn hope of Washington’s
horse in the memorable battle of the Eutaws. The order came from Greene to
break the British line. Stuart, with only sixteen men, advanced to obey the gen¬
eral’s command, and fell, covered with wounds, almost within his enemies, ranks.
Lieutenant-Colonel Washington too, pressing on, fell under his dying charger, and
was made prisoner of war.

“ On the day of the oration, Colonel Stuart, Major Stoddard, and others of the
veteran Revolutionary band, were placed very near the orator. In Stuart it was
plainly to be perceived that the firmness of the hero was struggling with the feelings
of the man, till at length the hero surrendered ; and the manly tear ‘ which filled the
furrow in the veteran’s cheek,’ proclaimed the triumph of virtuous sympathy.

“In the course of the day Colonel Stuart observed to Mr. Custis — ‘After the
sufferings which I have borne in my country’s cause, I never expected to have wept
again, but this mighty day has quite unmanned me.’ Americans ! sure virtue tri¬
umphs when the brave man weeps !”

* It is uncertain whether General Lingan belonged to Smallwood’s or Rawling’s
regiments. The first was raised exclusively in Maryland, consisted of the flower of
her youth, and might be compared with Caesar’s Tenth Legion. Though over¬
powered by superior numbers, these heroes disdained to fly, and were nearly anni¬
hilated on the memorable twenty-seventh of August, ’76. Rawling’s rifle regiment,
raised partly in Maryland and partly in Virginia, opposed the Hessians at the storm¬
ing of Fort Washington, and with unerring weapons did great execution. Lingan,

574

APPENDIX.

have yet only viewed your friend, the gallant soldier in the tented
field. You must now behold him the wretched prisoner in the
dungeons of the prison-ship ! * There . while listening to the
groans of expiring humanity ; there while beholding his brave
brethren dying by inches in all the horrors of captivity and
want, well might your Lingan say — “ Sweet, 0 my country !
should be thy liberties, when they are purchased at this mon¬
strous price !”f

Yes, my friends, of that very prison-ship was your Lingan a
sufferer, which, even at this late time of day, excites the warmest
sensibilities in the American bosom. You have seen our breth¬
ren perform a pious pilgrimage to . the spot where the victims
were slain — you have seen them rake up the bones which
six-and-thirty years had bleached, and inter them with all the
pomp and solemnity of woe.$ Ay, and I trust that my country
will yet find a tear to hallow the memory of the brave old man,

at the battle of Long Island, finding his corps giving way, displayed the noblest
intrepidity and finally succeeded in bringing them to the charge.

* The horrors of the prison-ship need not be told at this time of day. It was in¬
deed “ the bourne from whence” scarce “traveller returned.” Lingan, with many
of his brave associates-in-arms, were removed to the Jersey shortly after the surrender
of Fort Washington. Faint from his wounds, and almost perishing under the mag¬
nitude of his many sufferings, the generous soldier yet felt for others ; and when, on
the death of one of his companions a coffin being brought which proved too short,
the guard proposed to cut off the head of the deceased and put it in with the body,
Lingan, fired at the indignity offered to a deceased fellow-prisoner, rose from his
couch of pain, and laying his hand upon the lifeless corpse of the departed soldier,
swore he would destroy the first man who dared to mutilate the body of his friend.

t The venerable relict of Lingan has often said, since his lamented death — “Lin¬
gan loved liberty. He would often point to the picture of the benign goddess of
freedom which adorns his house, and in admiring the shadow would remember the
sufferings which he had borne to procure the substance. He considered liberty as
his child, and in fighting for liberty, felt as if he fought in defence of his own off¬
spring.”

J In New York, three or four years since, the bones of thousands of Americans
who had perished on board the Jersey prison-ship, were collected from the beach;
appropriate orations were delivered, and the bones were attended to a previously
prepared monument by an immense procession. The health of Lingan, one of the
few who survived these unfortunate soldiers, was so much injured by his sufferings
on board the Jersey, that he was reduced by a dreadful rheumatism for many months
subsequent to a state of entire helplessness And yet, the very party by which Lin¬
gan is now called a “ Tory,’ erected a monument and proclaimed the virtues of his
companions in persecution. “ Tempora mutantur et nos mutamur in illis.”

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

575

who died in defence of one of the dearest rights those immortal
sufferings have procured !

When the war had ended, your Lingan retired to the shades
of domestic life ; happy in the conscientious reflection, that his ser¬
vices and sufferings had contributed to rear the temple of rational
freedom, to found the glorious empire of laws. There, in the
relative duties of a father, a master, a neighbor, and a friend,
was the gallant veteran most nobly distinguished. Say, ye who
best can tell, was he not the kind indulgent parent ? the good hus¬
band ? the faithful friend ? the upright honorable man ? “ If
there be any one in this assembly who will deny this praise, now
let him speak, for him have I offended and if it were further
necessary to inquire into the merits of this excellent man, know
that they were stamped with a seal which bore the name of
Washington ! Yes, my friends, your Lingan and your Williams
were each appointed in the early formation of the government,
to offices of honor and trust, by that immortal chief, whose unerr¬
ing judgment was never deceived, when the soldier was the ob¬
ject !* Williams, did I say ? the gallant, gay Williams of Guild¬
ford and the Eutaws ? Peace be to his ashes ! happy that he is
gone ! for sure it would have rent his manly heart to have wit¬
nessed the melancholy end of his old brother-soldier ! f

It has been said by some, my friends, and supposed by others,
that the venerable Lingan was induced to engage in the enter¬
prise which terminated his life, by the arts and intrigues of de-

* In the early periods of the government, offices were not only few in number,
but small in value. The collectorship of such a port as Georgetown, was bestowed
upon Lingan, not as a mean of extensive emolument, but as a testimonial of due
remembrance and consideration.

t General Otho Holland Williams. — This distinguished soldier was not more
remarkable for his heroism in the field than for his elegant and manly accomplish¬
ments. Williams was taken with Lingap. at Fort Washington, and, though wound¬
ed, was carried as a spectacle about the streets of New York by the tories, for the
special amusement of his majesty’s loyal subjects, and then consigned to the miseries
of the prison-ship. Strange, that six-and-thirty years after, his venerable companion,
grown gray in the same country’s service, should, for defending “ the very liberties”
those mighty sufferings had procured, be martyred with every species of horrific
cruelty, and his aged body left, dishonored, on the cold ground, to glut the ven¬
geance of exclusive republicans !

576

APPENDIX.

signing men, contrary to the dictates of his better judgment. In
the face of his family, his country, and the world, I deny the
assertion! No, my friends, the whole heart of the Veteran was
in this thing. He had seen the laws of his country prostrated at
the feet of tyrannic power, and the liberty of the press violated,
and usurped ! And when he saw a band of youth prepare to
defend their rights, or perish in the breach, the soul of the vete¬
ran rejoiced. — “ I admire these boys,” he said, “ their heroic
ardor reminds me of my other days — A will join their gallant
calling — age and experience will be useful to temper their valor,
to moderate their zeal, to direct their energies. I will be the
Nestor to the young Achilles.”

When, after a brave defence, our brethren had laid down their
arms, and submitted to the constituted authorities of their coun¬
try, mercy and generosity should have been shown to submission.
They are the privileges of the brave, in every age and condition
of society.

Who were these prisoners ? Were they the rakings of ken¬
nels ; were their shoes yet new, since they landed on our shores ?*

# Major-general Henry Lee commanded the party. Lee, at the early age of
nineteen, was devoted to liberty in liberty’s battles. Greene considered him as a
man whom nature had formed for war; and his achievements as commander of the
partisan corps in the southern army, were eminent and deserving. Since the
Revolution he has filled high civil and military stations. He has distinguished him¬
self as governor of the state of Virginia, and as a member of the national legis¬
lature. His misfortunes are those of the man, while his public services derive a
lustre from his public integrity.

The grandfather of Mr. Hanson, was appointed by the Maryland legislature a
member of the Revolutionary Congress, and afterward became president of Congress,
then the first magistrate of the country ; being the third elected under the old con¬
federation. Mr. Hanson’s father was high in the confidence of Washington, resided
a long time in his family, was for several years his private secretary, and was after¬
ward chosen by the general as one of his aids ; but sickness prevented him from
accepting the offer, although the place was several months kept open for him.
When the war ended, the father of Mr. Hanson was appointed judge of the general
court, and afterward chancellor of Maryland, which situation he retained until his
decease. The father of Dr. Warfield was the first citizen'of Maryland who openly
proposed a separation from the parent-country. He also directed the celebrated
burning of the tea in 1775, at Annapolis. Captain R. I. Crabb is the son of Gene¬
ral Crabb, one of the heroes of the Revolution. The other gentlemen arc worthy
to be ranked with the patrician youth of ancient republics. They are men of the
first respectability ; and two of them have recently been proposed as candidates for
the Maryland legislature.

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

577

or were they sons of the sires, who had fought the battles, and
labored in the councils of their country’s glory ; generous scions,
sprang from the oak which had borne the hardest blasts of
liberty’s storm ; yeomen of our land, who had grown up with the
growth, and with the strength of freedom? Their cause was
holy. They knew they had done no wrong — for people of Amer¬
ica remember that when the laws of a community can no longer
protect the citizen, the great law of nature commands him to
protect himself! Yet, that the ends of justice might be sub¬
served — that their accusers might obtain the full measure of jus¬
tice denied to them ; these gallant heroes, consented to be car¬
ried, like malefactors, to the prison-house ! There they received
the most solemn assurances, which honor and religion could give,
of perfect safety and protection. Who will then believe, that in'
a few short hours, the asylum of justice — the asylum in which
even the condemned criminal is safe — should be converted into
the chamber of death !

Hide, hide my country, thy diminished head ! Thou, an em¬
pire of laws, and yet this monstrous outrage within thy bosom !
Thou, the seat of justice, and yet the asylum of justice with in¬
nocent blood profaned !* The weeping genius of my country,
seeks to draw a veil before the dreadful spectacle, but an higher
power commands that no veil shall screen this work of darkness
from the light of truth !

The murder of prisoners ! Why ’tis abhorrent to nature — my
soul sickens at the thought. Sure such hideous- sin wa* once
foreign to the American character ! Say, ye gray-headed men,
veterans of liberty, and fathers of my country, when was the
time, during our arduous struggle, that the soldier of freedom

^ It is the standard principle of our common law that a man is always innocent
till he is proved to he guilty. When the prison-house is forced, and even those who
are indicted for the grossest crimes, slaughtered without trial or condemnation, may
not the asylum of justice be said to be “ profaned with innocent blood?” But in
the present case there was no indictment, not even a commitment ! All parties
acknowledge that the Spartan band were conveyed to prison for “ safety,” not as
prisoners, but guests of those who induced them to surrender. Some hours after
their arrival a commitment was informally procured, and they were detained con¬
trary not onty to the rules of law, but the laws of hospitality.

578

APPENDIX.

stained his laurels with his prisoner’s blood ! While storming
the redoubts at Yorktown, the cry of the soldiers was, “Re¬
member New London yet, no sooner had the foe submitted,
than mercy, divine mercy, sat triumphant on my country’s
colors — Ay, my friends, Hamilton and Laurens commanded
then !*

The murder of prisoners ! Even sanguinary France now
cowers to our superior genius in iniquity. She is no longer
supreme in sin. If we contemplate the tremendous scenes of her
revolution, so widely different is the state of our society, they
appear but as Christmas gambols to this hellish tragedy. f There
the tiger had long been confined within the bars of oppression.
For centuries had he gnawed his galling chain, and thirsted for
the blood of his oppressors ; but here, in the mild land of liberty,
in the wise and good government, whose laws provide the punish¬
ment of crimes, great indeed must be that injury which requires
an extra vengeance !

The murder of prisoners ! ’Tis true, Napoleon, the chosen
monster of crime, first set this horrid example at Jaffa ; but even
under his authority, the poor victims, met a speedy and merciful
death ! The battalion, which was drawn up against them, soon

* When the garrison at New London had surrendered to the British troops, the
gallant Colonel Ledyard presented his sword, according to custom, to the victorious
commander, who inhumanly returned it through his captive’s body. This was the
signal for general massacre, and many of our soldiers who had surrendered as pris¬
oners of war were immediately bayoneted on the spot. When victory next leaned
to the American side, orders were given by the Marquis de Lafayette to retaliate
this cruelty, and the American soldiers mounted the redoubts of Yorktown shouting,
“ Remember New London.” Hamilton commanded in the light-infantry. Lieut.-
colonel Laurens, the Bayard of the age, personally took Major Smith, the English
commandant, a prisoner of war. The conquered Britons momently expected the
exterminating bayonet. Our countrymen, flushed with triumph, pressed on, wjiile
their trembling victims fell in despair and agony at their feet. The youthful chiefs
threw themselves between the vanquished and destruction. The victors were
ordered to spare the prostrate enemy. Hamilton and Laurens, bred in the tent of
Washington, disdained the savage privilege of destroying a defenceless foe, and
showed to their country and an admiring world, that mercy is the noblest attribute
of the brave !

t At the time of the French revolutionary massacres, France had, in fact, no
government; one day a faction wielding the power; the next day cut off, and an¬
other succeeding. But even in this horrible state of society, though death speedily
overtook the proscribed, promises of protection were still held sacred.

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

579

put a period to their sufferings by an immediate passport to
eternity.

The murder of prisoners ! Even when the Indian savage a
prisoner takes, if he promises him protection, the poor captive is
safe.* Nay, go further. Look to the Arab robber of the desert.
When he meets the wandering pilgrim in the sands, if he con¬
ducts him within his tent, the robber will die at its door in de¬
fence of his guest !f Such are the examples of mercy, fidelity
and honor which adorn even the savage life ; and yet, my coun¬
trymen, it has been left to the enlightened republic of America,
to show more horrid examples of cruelty than ever distinguished
the inquisition or the rack.

Let us attend the venerable Lingan in the last moments of his
life. When he found the inevitable fate which awaited him, that
fortitude which had distinguished the gallant veteran in the dire¬
ful fields of the Revolution, while fighting for the liberties of his
country, did not desert him in the closing hour. And yet, sure
he thought, that if Americans were his foes, the sight of his
venerable figure, bent with age, must touch their hearts ! Ah,
Lingan ! thou hadst indeed survived thy country’s better days.
There was a time when thy venerable presence would have ar¬
rested the falling dagger, had it been grasped by an American
hand ! What did I say ? Sure there was a time when a thou¬
sand sabres would have gleamed to defend the gray head of an
aged soldier, sinking at the feet of an assassin !$ Alas ! those
days are gone ! The glory of my country hath sunk into the
grave of her chief !

Attend the closing scene. The old man falls ; yet feebly
raising his wounded head, on which threescore winters had shed

* This is notorious. The Indian never betrays after promising protection. His
offered hand contains his plighted honor.

t Pilgrims, and even caravans, have been known to seek the protection of pro¬
fessed robbers in the desert, and never have had cause to repent their confidence
even in a robber’s word.

| Yes ! before America (who, in opening her arms to afford an asylum to suffer¬
ing humanity, hath opened them too wide) became gorged with filth from all the
kennels in Europe ! The ancient republics were corrupted by the extraneous streams
which brought pollution to the pure fountain of their liberties.

580

APPENDIX.

their snows, he appeals to his murderers — “ Spare the old man,
whose years are few to live ! Spare the father, whose orphans
will want ! Spare the old soldier, whose faithful services, and
whose hard sufferings have earned his country’s liberties ! Spare !
Here, as if it were necessary to cap the climax of horror, to
render the catastrophe of hell complete — know, Americans, that
James Lingan, the soldier of your Washington, the patriot, the
hero, and the friend ; the man of charity who felt for others’
woes ; the noble example to youth ; the man of virtue, religion,
and honor, with the foul epithet of “ Tory,” ringing in his ears
— expired ! The defender of liberty disgraced by the epithet of
“ Tory ?” “ That was the unkindest cut of all ! ”

Are there men in this assembly who can feel ! Now let them
feel !

0, Maryland! Would that the waters of thy Chesapeake
could wash this foul stain from thy character. 0, Maryland !
Would that the recording angel who carries thy black deed to
heaven’s chancery on high; could drop a tear upon it, and blot it
out for ever ! But no ! A voice cries from the tomb of the
brave. It rises to the God of nature and humanity, and demands
a vengeance on the murderer !

Can Montgomery boast no band of youthful patriots, who will
redeem the remains of their venerable friend, and give them the
rights of sepulture near his own home?* Sure it would soothe
the widow’s sorrowing heart — sure it would soothe the orphans’
woes ! Then go — perform the pious task, and the applause of
all good men speed you on your way ! Mark well my words.
’Tis not that I would sharpen your swords to vengeance — ven¬
geance belongs to the laws'; but I would open your hearts to
gratitude — gratitude belongs to man !

Shade of the venerable Lingan ! Farewell ! Accept the feeble

* The mangled body of Lingan was exposed on the bare earth until noon on the
day following the murder, and then, with difficulty, obtained by a relative for secret
burial. It now “sleeps in some obscure, neglected grave," in Baltimore. Would
not the youth of Montgomery, the county of Lingan ’s former residence, perforin a
pious office in transferring the remains of their venerable friend to the sepulchre of
his fathers ?

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

581

tribute of a stranger’s praise ; although thy sun hath sunk in the
horizon, still, its last parting gleam sheds a benign lustre on thy
fame. The laurel that covers thy hoary head, old man ! shall
ever bloom with youthful verdure ! Thy illustrious services in
liberty’s cause, shall rear for thee a cenotaph in each freeman’s
bosom, while thy endearing virtues will cause the ready tear of
affection to freshen the turf on thy humble grave !

Soldier of my country ! Defender of her liberties ! Farewell !

Permit me, my friends, to offer you a few remarks, on the pre¬
sent state of our republic. People of America ! The liberty of
the press is one of the noblest rights a freeman can boast. When
the right of opinion, the liberty of speech, and the liberty of the
press, are prostrated at the feet of lawless power, the citadel of
of freedom must soon surrender. Yes, my friends, and that
power which destroys these attributes of liberty, is the pioneer
which precedes the march of despotism !

I well remember the good old federal times, when the Father
of his Country, blest with his virtues our rising empire. Then
was the majesty of the laws supreme ; then was the liberty of the
press inviolate ; and sure, if ever there was a time, when its
licentiousness required a curb, it was, when its slanders were
aimed at the reputation of the first of men ! The modern Archi¬
medes of malice and ambition had upreared his mighty engines
of calumny, to assail our chieftain’s virtue !* But the great, the
god-like Washington, had only to oppose the aegis of his integrity,
and their shafts fell harmless to the ground. f

* The first engines of calumny levelled against the chief were reared in the press
of Philip Freneau, then a clerk in the department of state. They received great im¬
provement from the scientific labors of Bache and his principal engineer, Duane,
and were brought to perfection by James T. Callender, who betraying his employers
the machines have since fallen into common hands.

f Among the monstrous calumnies circulated at that time, certain letters, said to
have been written during the Revolution and addressed by the general to members
of his own family, were published under pretence of their having been taken with
the baggage and .servant of the commander-in-chief at Fort Lee, in 1776. These
letters contained sentiments unfriendly to the cause of liberty. The forgery was
apparent to all those who had served in the war, since it was notorious that the
servant and baggage of the commander-in-chief were never taken. Washington
disdained to notice these incendiary attacks during his term of chief magistracy, but

582

APPENDIX.

Yes, people of America ! and wretched indeed is that man’s
cause, which can not be defended by his integrity !

Why are federalists a persecuted race ? Must they leave their
Egypt, and under the conduct of another Moses, seek a new
Canaan ? Can they boast of no virtues, no services, to entitle
them to the joys of liberty’s land ?

Who reared the temple of national freedom ? Who kindled
the sacred flame on its altars ? Whose virtues, whose services,
have contributed to nourish that flame ? Go ! untie the scroll
fame ! Peruse the list of American worthies, and tell me if any
federalists are there ! Go to the hard-fought fields of the E-ev¬
olution — kneel on their sacred earth, which tells no lies, and
ask her, if, on the memorable days when we fought for liberty,
no federal blood moistened her bosom ? Nay, persecuted as we
are, perhaps at this moment some fearless sailor climbs the shat¬
tered mast to nail the flag of my country to its stump — my life
on it that fellow is a federalist ! * Perhaps some gallant soldier
may yet scale the heights of Abraham, to wreathe liberty’s stan¬
dard around Montgomery’s tomb — I tell you the first foot, which
presses that classic ground, will be a federalist’s ! For ever live
the glorious name our Washington bore! Forever let his ex¬
ample inspire his children !

The spirit of federalism rises from the tomb of Mount Vernon:
— and when my country shall bend under the storms of adver¬
sity, the children of Washington will show “ their generous na¬
ture but should those storms rock Liberty’s temple to its base,
then will the Sampson of federalism grasp the pillars, and in his
expiring struggles, perish witlb Liberty in liberty’s ruins.

Yes, Americans ! the power which made you great and free,
independent and happy, still opens its arms to receive the prod¬
igal returned. When my country shall have been deeply stricken
by misfortune, may she — grown wise by her experience — deter-

when he had retired to the walks of domestic life, the illustrious citizen gave full
proof of his innocence by exposing, not only the malice, but the absolute impossi¬
bility of the tale. The original letters written by the general at that period, are
now in the possession of Mr. Custis of Arlington.

* Two days afterward, the prophecy was fulfilled! Hull and the constitution !

GENERAL JAMES M. LINGAN.

583

mine to restore the age of Washington — to render the last of
republics immortal !

Did I speak of the age of Washington ! The golden age of my
country ! when peace, prosperity, and protection blessed our
land ! Great is the contrast now. Attend me, friends, to the
house of a federalist at this portentious period. I open you the
door, and that too of a man who can look his country in the face,
and say I have been thy benefactor.* Near the cradle of my
sleeping child stands the musket and bayonet ; near the pillow of
my innocent wife the sharpened sabre ! and why ? Because I will
enjoy the right of opinion, the freedom of speech, and the liberty
of the press — these sacred privileges I inhaled with my first
breath, and will only lose them with my last. When my parent

* Mr. Custis has established an annual convention for the promotion of agri¬
culture and domestic manufactures, known throughout the country by the title of
“Arlington sheep-shearing.” Its motto, “ pro patria semper .” At Arlington
House, under the tent of Washington, a numerous concourse of the most exalted
characters in our republic, besides strangers of distinction, assemble on every
thirtieth of April, to witness the distribution of the first prizes ever thus given in
America, for the best specimens of sheep and domestic manufactures. After the
prizes are assigned, Mr. Custis collects his friends at a splendid repast under the
tent of his illustrious relative, and when the cloth is removed, commonly addresses
them in strains of. eloquence and feeling worthy of the sacred canvass which cano¬
pies his head. After appropriate toasts and other convivialities, the company dis¬
perse. The prizes offered by Mr. Custis are all at his own individual expense,
and, together with the cost of entertaining so great a concourse, subject him to a
very heavy annual disbursement. Besides the better part of nine years, since the
first “ Arlington sheep-shearing,” employed in the promotion of agriculture and
domestic economy, Mr. Custis has devoted considerable pecuniary resources to the
same noble enterprize. This purpose has been steadfastly pursued, and, notwith¬
standing the great political changes which have taken place since the thirtieth of
April, 1803, it has kindled a fondness for the great objects which it was meant to
promote, and convinced Americans that they may indeed be independent. The
sheep-shearing speeches, which are before the public, will prove that no party
motives have prompted the conduct of Mr. Custis. In one of these he remarks,
“ America shall be great and free, and minister to her own wants, by the employ¬
ment of her own resources.” In another, “ The citizen of my country will proudly
appear, when clothed in the produce of his native soil.” By the disinterested de¬
votion of Mr. Custis to the public good, he has illustrated the motto “ Pro patria
semper. ” May not such a man “look his country in the face,” and exultingly ex¬
claim, “ I have been thy benefactor !” “ My life on it this fellow is a federalist.”

Mr. Custis had the satisfaction of being able to say, at a recent sheep-shearing,
“ My humble institution, which first taught my country to hail the sound of industry
with independence, is growing old in its usefulness, and, as the happy parent, be¬
holds a numerous progeny arising to support its age.”

584

APPENDIX.

was perishing at Yorktown, he bequeathed this invaluable
legacy to his child, and damned be the man who would relin-
' quish the rights obtained by a parent’s sufferings! *

0, Washington ! discerning man ! well indeed didst thou fore¬
see thy country’s fallen destiny ! As a father didst thou warn
thy children of the precipiece to which they were approaching.
Yes, as thy country’s guardian angel didst thou stand on the
brink and point to the abyss below. f Thy sun hath sunk in the
west, but may its last parting gleam still serve to light us in our
darksome course, till the sun of another Washington shall arise,
and give to America a glorious day !

Weep not my brethren, that our chief is gone. Dry up your
tears ; and thank the Author of divine mercies for having so long
preserved our benefactor for our happiness, and at last only to
have taken him from us when the degeneracy of his country had
began to sorrow his declining years. Methinks I hear his
mighty spirit sigh in the breeze ; methinks I see his venerated
form enshrined in glory — his opened arms receive the shade of
Lingan ! Listen to his awful words :

u Welcome to thy chief, thou good and faithful soldier ! Twice
hast thou bled in liberty’s cause ! Here shalt thou enjoy the
recompense of the brave !”

* Mr. Custis’s father, then a member of the military staff of Washington, died
near Yorktown, in 1781, from an infections disorder received in the British camp.
Mr. Custis, at that time an infant, was adopted into the family of Mount Yernon.

t The discerning mind of Washington “looked quite through the deeds of men/
and early perceived the dangerous precipice to which the principles and conduct of
certain persons were hurrying his devoted country. Like a guardian genius, he
warned her of her fate, and, placing the majesty of his exalted character and exam¬
ple on the brink, sought to preserve the nation his virtues and services had rendered
illustrious ; but all in vain ! Urged by her untoward destiny, she falls from her
envied height and sinks into “ the abyss below !”

J It was about the year 1798 that Washington, being visited by Judge Marshall,
Judge Washington, and General H. Lee, observed to these gentlemen on their de¬
parture, while standing at the western door of Mount Yernon (emblematic of the
decline of his setting sun) — “Gentlemen, you must come forward in the nation’s
councils. The exigencies of her affairs require your good services. The most unhappy
consequences will ensue should the principles of the party now rising into power ever
predominate in our country. I may not live to witness these things — you may!”
Marshall and Lee obeyed the patriarch’s summons ; Bushrod Washington, from pecu¬
liar circumstances, was prevented. It soon after became the melancholy duty of
Marshall to announce his death, and the pride of Lee to proclaim his eulogy !

CELEBRATION OF THE RUSSIAN VICTORIES.

585

NOTE III. — Page 61.

CELEBRATION OF THE RUSSIAN VICTORIES.

AN OEATION BY MR. CUSTIS, OF ARLINGTON, DELIVERED JUNE 5, 1813.

Though feeble in health, yet being honored as yonr choice, I
will humbly endeavor to execute the task which your too partial
favor has assigned me.

The purpose of this association is at once novel and interest¬
ing. It has heretofore been deemed a full measure of duty for
nations to celebrate events which may have had immediate rela¬
tion to themselves ; but generous America will set to the world
a nobler example, and, forgetting for a moment that selfish im¬
pulse which directs our feelings to our own immediate welfare,
let us evince a laudable sympathy in the welfare of others.

When we fought for liberty, many were the foreign bosoms
which beat in unison with our cause. Perhaps, under the fur-
garment of the distant Russian, America and her efforts may
have excited that cheering warmth which virtuous bosoms nour¬
ish. Then reciprocate the generous feeling, and show to the
world that, grateful for our own liberties, we deem it a bounden
duty to rejoice in the liberties of others.

Sure Americans should feel an interest in the successes of those
who war for the right of self-government, whatever may be the
clime they inhabit, and wish strength to the arm which strikes
for national liberty, whether it wield the lance of the Cossack or
the Highlander’s claymore.

Amid those great events, which of late years have so con¬
vulsed the civilized world, the invasion of Russia forms a most
grand and predominant feature. It seems as if the last energies
of Europe were aroused to this consummate struggle. Napo-

586

APPENDIX.

leon, mighty in genius and vast in resources, like a Colossus, had
long bestrode the European world, and, fired with the rage of
conquest, sought to plant his standard on the banks of the Neva.
His march is like the sirocco of the desert, spreading ruin and
desolation around him ; his course is known by the smoke of
villages cooling in human blood ; his triumphs are heard in the
lamentations of human misery. The host of Prussia retires —
all seems his prey, until, urged by high destiny, he seeks to rest
from his labors in the palace of the czars, and finds in the flames
of Moscow a funeral pyre for his ambition. Immortal Moscow !
Magnanimous people ! who, rather than their ancient capital
should afford to the tyrant a domicil, seize the torch and fire at
once the altars of their God, the temples of their saints, and the
sepulchre of their kings. And are these the people whom the
world has been pleased to denominate barbarians ? True, the
sun of science hath, as yet, but feebly twinkled in their frozen
clime ; but, by heaven, this late act of theirs would have done
honor to the most splendid era of ancient virtue — ay, it would
have immortalized old Rome even in her Fabian age, or Lace¬
daemon in the time of Leonidas.

Though Moscow remains but a heap of blackened ruins, still
from its ashes may be raked a gem of purest, brightest value. I
mean its great example, which tells to the nations of the world
that, when a people are resolved to serve their own rulers and
obey their own laws, among that people corruption can never
enter, nor can tyrants subdue them. Had the Austrians, the
Italians, or the Swiss, fired his Vienna, his Milan, or his Berne,
Europe might have long since been saved. Their misfortunes
have taught them a useful lesson ; but now, if, after the wisdom
which burning Moscow has thrown upon surrounding nations,
they are again enslaved, a long night of tyranny must over¬
shadow a despairing world.

From the history of these events, let nations learn to place a
firm reliance on the all-wise Disposer of human affairs, who, even
in her darkest day, raised up for Russia, the avenger of his
country’s wrongs, the aged, the illustrious Koutusoff. This ven-

CELEBRATION OF THE RUSSIAN VICTORIES. 587

erable chief had been the soldier of other wars ; his spring of
youth first budded in the fields of honor ; his meridian summer
blazed high on the walls of Oczatchoff, and, though age may
fade the leaf of his autumn, stern winter can never wither a leaf
of the laurel which binds his silvery brow — it must bloom even
amid his native snows.

Russia, go on ! Thine own chains broken, break thou the
the chains of others. Gray warrior of the North ! if thine aged
frame can bear more honors, go whet thy avenging sword on the
tomb of Suwarrow, and again thunder on the plains of Italy —
climb the glacier steeps, where the descendants of Tell pine in
ignominious bondage and sigh for their native liberty. Burst
that confederation, linked only by the tyrant’s power, nor furl
thy conquering banner till it shall feel the breezes of the Rhine.
Then pause ; give to each nation the government it may choose,
and, retiring to the polar forests, the blessings of millions will
cheer thy declining days, and a brilliant halo of glory encircle
thy immortal fame. The name of Koutusoff will not be ranked
with the destroyers of nations, but will proudly swell the list of
virtuous heroes, with Yasa, with Tell, with Wallace, with Wash¬
ington, deliverers of their country and benefactors of man. Ere
we leave the field of fame, let us pay due homage to the mem¬
ory of the brave. Bagration, the prince of Russian chivalry,
the patriot, the hero, now sleeps in the bed of honor ! But not
unremembered hath he fallen ; for, whenever the roving Cossack
shall gallop over Borodino’s plain, his wild and warlike eye
will rest with delight on the tumulus which contains Bagra¬
tion’s ashes.

Russia, farewell ! So long as thou shalt wield the sword of
justice — the deliverance of nations mark the progress of thy
march — may the eagle of victory perch on thy standard, and
the prayers of rescued humanity speed the triumph of thine
arms.

Americans ! let the events which have lately distinguished the
theatre of Europe, be held up as a mirror, in which you may
view the fate of nations, and learn to protect your own from

588

APPENDIX.

those evils, which have befallen so many others. Think not be¬
cause a vast ocean intervenes, the frantic ambition which has
desolated the fairest portion of the Old World will look uncon¬
cerned toward the New. It was customary with chieftains of
other days to pause, in the high career of ambition. Rome’s
great Julius, when arrived at the rubicon, debated with himself
whether he should pass those limits prescribed by the laws, and
infringe on those liberties which his illustrious family had found¬
ed, and himself sworn to protect ; and “ Philip’s warlike son,”
when in the midst of submissive nations, listened to counsel and
retraced his conquering steps. But what limits, what barriers,
shall ever curb Napoleon’s ambition ? Think you that he who
hath scaled the Alps would not attempt the Andes ? And that
mighty genius, which scared the chamois from the snowy heights
of St. Bernard, would start the lonely condor on the cloud-
capped summits of the Chimborazo.

Returning from abroad, the delighted American beholds rich
triumphs at home. They seem like an elysian dream, from
which we fear to awaken ; but the vision hath passed away —
the glorious truth bursts like the morning light upon our rav¬
ished senses — and we hail with ecstacy the rising of our naval
sun.

Twelve months ago, could a man have been found hardy
enough to assert that America should meet in equal combat with
the mistress of the main, and that, too, upon her usurped element,
and there should deal her a harder measure of battle than she
hath dealt even to her meanest foe, that man would have been
called a fool. But now, my friends, the experiment has been so
oft repeated that we have proved to our country and an admiring
world the glorious fact, that we, too, can “ march upon the moun¬
tain wave” — we, too, can share “in the empire of the deep.”

Our noble sailors have so well employed their time, that al¬
ready are they teachers of that very science in which their enemy
has always claimed the mastership, and American seamen de¬
serve a patent-right for the destruction of armed vessels on
principles and practice wholly their own.

CELEBRATION OF THE RUSSIAN VICTORIES.

589

Nay, even were great Nelson living, whose last- sigh still
dwells in glory on Trafalgar’s wave, his generous soul would
have given to his enemy the just meed of praise.

On the outermost cliff, which overlooks the main, we should
erect a naval trophy, adorned with the busts of our heroes, that,
when the future sailor-boy should thither roam, his delighted
eye may rest on the monument of our early fame, and his youth¬
ful heart be fired with a generous emulation.

And who have achieved these glories ? The nurslings who
have long fed at the bosom of public bounty, and gambolled in
the sunshine of public patronage and protection ? Say, rather,
it is the neglected children of our Washington — they who, for
a long, long time, have endured their country’s scorn, and been
deemed unworthy of her confidence or esteem. Yet, when dan¬
gers assail and misfortunes press hard on their native land, see
them, mindful of the example of their chief, forget their wrongs
and show their generous nature. And are these the men who
but the other day bore the hard names of traitors and of
tories ? — and has it been left for traitors and tories to strike
Britannia’s flag upon the ocean ? My country, for shame !
Will you. never know your friends? So when your old sol¬
dier died, the brave, the virtuous Lingan, these tender epi¬
thets were the cruel comforts of his parting hour ; they were
the tender mercies offered to soothe a hero at the end of a blame¬
less life ; they were the pious blessings with which he closed his
eyes for ever ! Americans, have you forgot this old man’s
wrongs ? There is a God of justice and humanity who may for¬
get you . Let us go back for a moment to that gloomy, yet in¬
teresting, period when, in pious assemblage, we paid our last
duties to the memory of the brave. You must all remember
that, while I feebly breathed my poor tribute of praise to the
manes of the martyred Lingan, I dared to say that the hand
which should “ nail the flag of my country to the mast ” would
belong to one of those who then bore their country’s odium and
persecution. I thought I knew my brethren — knew those fel¬
lows to be of no mongrel breed, but the true, legitimate children

590

APPENDIX.

of our chief, and such most worthily have their deeds proved
them to be.

Encouraged by success in one prophecy, I prophesy again, and
now will say that the heart which shall direct the energies of
this great nation to the accomplishment of that high destiny the
meritorious life of her Washington founded, must feel the prin¬
ciples and be warned by the virtues of that immortal man.

How doth every day more and more bring to our view that
wisdom and foresight which distinguished the Father of our
Country — he to whose humble grave this ungrateful nation
hath not yet rolled even one poor stone ! He first laid those
keels which now triumphant plough the main ; he first hoisted
that flag which now flies victorious on our conquering decks.

How acceptable to the shade of our parent must be the glo¬
rious deeds of his children ! They rise like grateful incense to
his departed spirit in the realms of bliss !

Go on, my brethren — the eye of the chief still rests on his
beloved country ; his affections are coincident with his glory.
However she may have forgotten her duties to you, forget not
the high duties which you owe to the land of your birth. If she
deny you her honors and rewards, there is left you the sweet
consolation of having deserved them. It behooves not to say
whether our rulers are wicked or unwise. If so, we but share
in the common fate of nations, all of whom at some time or
other have been unfortunate in these respects. An enemy’s
anchor now clings to our soil. Be firm, my friends — be mind¬
ful of the heroic fame of your fathers ; hug to your hearts your
recent triumphs, and show to posterity and the world that, in
the hour of danger, Americans will venerate their laws and give
their lives to the liberties of their country.

LAFAYETTE AT THE TOMB OF WASHINGTON.

591

NOTE IV.-Page 67.

LAFAYETTE AT THE TOMB OF WASHINGTON.

The solemn and imposing scene of the visit of Lafayette to
the tomb of Washington took place on Sunday, the 17th of Octo¬
ber, 1826. About one o’clock, the general left the steamboat
Petersburg' at anchor, off Mount Yernon, and was received into
a barge manned and steered by captains of vessels from Alexan¬
dria, who had handsomely volunteered their services for this in¬
teresting occasion. He was accompanied in the barge by his
family and suite, and Mr. Secretary John C. Calhoun. On
reaching the shores, he was received by Mr. Lawrence Lewis, the
nephew of Washington, and by the gentlemen of the family of
Judge Bushrod Washington (the judge himself being absent on
official duties), and conducted to the ancient mansion, where, forty
years before, Lafayette took the last leave of his “ hero, his
friend, and our country’s preserver.”

After remaining a few minutes in the house, the general pro¬
ceeded to the vault,* supported by Mr. Lewis and the gentlemen
relatives of the judge, and accompanied by G. W. Lafayette and
G. W. P. Custis, the children of Mount Vernon , both having
shared the paternal care of the great chief. Mr. Custis wore the
ring^ suspended from a Cincinnati ribbon. Arrived at the sep¬
ulchre, after a pause, Mr. Custis addressed the general as fol¬
lows : —

* The old vault, now in ruins.

t See page 67. The following description of the ring is from the National Intel¬
ligencer, October 9, 1824: —

“ We have had an opportunity of inspecting the ring made by Mr. Greenbury
Gaither, enclosing a lock of the hair of General Washington, which Mr. Custis had
prepared to be presented by him to General Lafayette. It will remain at Mr.

592

APPENDIX.

“ Last of the generals of the army of independence ! at this
awful and impressive moment, when, forgetting the splendor of
a triumph greater than Roman consul ever had, you bend with
reverence over the remains of Washington, the child of Mount
Vernon presents you with this token, containing the hair of him
whom, while living, you loved, and to whose honored grave you
now pay the manly and affecting tribute of a patriot’s and a
soldier’s tear.

“ The ring has ever been an emblem of the union of hearts from
the earliest ages of the. world, and this will unite the affections
of all the Americans to the person and posterity of Lafayette
now and hereafter ; and, when your descendants of a distant day
shall behold this valued relic, it will remind them of the heroic
virtues of their illustrious sire who received it, not in the pal¬
aces or amid the pomp and vanities of life, but the laurelled
grave of Washington. Do you ask, Is this the Mausoleum be¬
fitting the ashes of Marcus Aurelius or the good Antonius ? I
tell you that the Father of his Country lies buried in the hearts
of his countrymen, and in those of the brave, the good, the free,
of all ages and nations. Do you seek for the tablets which are
to convey his fame to immortality ? They have long been writ¬
ten in the freedom and happiness of his country. These are
the monumental trophies of Washington the Great, and will en¬
dure when the proudest works of art have 6 dissolved and left
not a wreck behind.’

“ Venerable man ! will you never tire in the cause of freedom

Gaither’s to-day, subject to public inspectiou. The ring is of solid gold, and per¬
fectly plain, but neat workmanship. On the inner surface of it is the following
inscription beautifully engraved :

‘Lafayette.

1777.

Pro novi orbis liberate
decerbatat Juvenis,
stabilitam Senex
Invenit.

1824.’

On the face of the ring, surrounding the hair, are the words ‘ Pater Patriae and
on another side the words ‘ Mount Vernon.’ This is an appropriate, and must be
a highly acceptable gift.”

LAFAYETTE AT THE TOMB OF WASHINGTON.

593

and human happiness ? Is it not time that you should rest from
your generous labors, and repose on the bosom of a country
which delights to love and honor you, and will her children’s
children to bless your name and memory ? Sure where liberty
dwells there must be the country of Lafayette !

“ Our fathers witnessed the dawn of your glory, partook of its
meridian splendor, and 0 ! let their children enjoy the benign
radiance of your setting sun, and, when it shall sink in the
horizon of nature, here , here, with pious duty, we will form your
sepulchre, and, united in death as in life by the side of the great
chief, you will rest in peace, till the last trump awakes the slum¬
bering world and calls your virtues to their great reward.

“ The joyous shouts of millions of freemen hailed your returned
foot-prints on our sands ; the arms of millions are opened wide
to hug you to their grateful hearts, and the prayers of millions
ascend to the throne of Almighty power, and implore that the
choicest blessings of Heaven will cheer the latter days of La¬
fayette !”

The general, having received the ring, pressed it to his bosom
and replied : —

u The feelings which, at this awful moment, oppress my heart
do not leave the power of utterance. I can only thank you, my
dear Custis, for your precious gift, and pay a silent homage to
the tomb of the greatest and best of men, my paternal friend !”

The general affectionately embraced the donor and the other
three gentlemen, and, gazing intently on the receptacle of de¬
parted greatness, fervently pressed his lips to the door of the
vault, while tears filled the furrows of the veteran’s cheeks. The
key was now applied to the lock — the door flew open and dis¬
covered the coffins strewed with flowers and evergreens. The
general descended the steps and kissed the leaden cells which
contained the ashes of the great chief and his venerable consort,
and then retired in an excess of feeling which language is too
poor to describe. After partaking of refreshments at the house,
and making a slight tour in the grounds, the general returned to
to the shore. In descending the hill to the river, the horses

594

APPENDIX.

became restive. Some spirited young men rushed forward, re¬
moved the horses, and would have drawn the carriage them¬
selves ; but this the general would not permit, and, alighting,
walked to the shore, a distance of nearly a quarter of a mile.
Previous to re-embarkation, Mr. Custis presented the Cincinnati
ribbon, which had borne the ring to the vault, to Major Ewell, a
veteran of the Revolution, requesting him to take a part of it
and divide the remainder among the young men present, which
was done, and a general struggle ensued for the smallest portion
of it.

The same barge conveyed the general to the Petersburg , the
marine band playing, as before, a strain of solemn music. The
vessel immediately proceeded on her voyage to Yorktown.

Not a soul intruded upon the privacy of the visit to the tomb.
Nothing occurred to disturb its reverential solemnity. The old
oaks which grew around the sepulchre, touched with the mel¬
lowed lustre of autumn, appeared rich and ripe as the autumnal
honors of Lafayette. Not a murmur was heard, save the strains
of solemn music and the deep and measured sound of artillery,
which awoke the echoes around the hallowed heights of Mount
Vernon.

’Tis done ! the greatest, the most affecting scene of the grand
drama has closed, and the pilgrim who now repairs to the tomb
of the Father of his Country will find its laurels moistened by
the tears of Lafayette.*

* This was communicated to the National Intelligencer immediately after the
occurrence, and was published in that paper on the 26th of October, 1824.

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

595

NOTE V.

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS, BY WASHINGTON.*

Haying given very full and ample details of the intended
crops, and my ideas of the modes of managing them at the seve¬
ral plantations, little, if these are observed, needs be added on
this subject. But, as the profit of every farm is greater or less,
in proportion to the quantity of manure which is made thereon,
or can be obtained by keeping the fields in good condition, these
two important requisites ought never to be lost sight of.

To effect the former, besides the ordinary means of farm-yards,
cow-pens, sheep-folds, stables, &c., it would be of essential use,
if a certain proportion of the force of each plantation could be
appropriated, in the summer or early part of autumn, to the pur¬
pose of getting up mud to be ameliorated by the frosts of winter
for the spring-crops, which are to follow. And, to accomplish
the latter, the gullies in these fields, previous to their being sown
with grain and grass-seeds, ought invariably to be filled up. By
so doing, and a small sprinkling of manure there, they will ac¬
quire a green sward and strength of soil sufficient to preserve
them. These are the only means I know of by which exhausted
lands can be recovered, and an estate rescued from destruction.

Although a precise number of tobacco hills is, by my general

* On several occasions, the author of the Recollections has referred to the extreme
care and method which Washington always exercised in the management of his
estate. The following “ directions respecting the management of the plantations
and other affairs at Mount Vernon,” given to his nephew, George A. Washington,
to whom he committed the superintendence of his private concerns when he assumed
the office of President of the United States, will give the reader a fair specimen of
that care and method. The paper is dated March 31, 1789, a little more than a
fortnight before he left Mount Vernon for New York.

596

APPENDIX.

directions, allotted to each plantation, yet my real intention is,
that no more ground shall be appropriated to this crop than what
is either naturally very good (for which purpose small spots may
be chosen), or what can be made strong by manure of some kind
or other ; for my object is to labor for profit, and therefore to re¬
gard quality instead of quantity, there being, except in the article
of manuring, no difference between attending a good plant and
an indifferent one. But, in any event, let the precise number of
hills be ascertained, that an estimate may be formed of their
yield to the thousand.

Being thoroughly convinced, from experience, that embezzle¬
ment and waste of crops (to say nothing of the various accidents
to which they are liable by delays) are increased proportionably
to the time they are suffered to remain on hand, my wish is, as
soon as circumstances will permit after the grain is harvested,
that it may be got out of the straw, especially at the plantations
where there are no barns, and either disposed of in proper de-
posites, or sold, if it is wheat, and the price is tolerable, after it
has been converted into flour. When this work is set about as
the sole or as a serious business, it will be executed properly ;
but when a little is done now and a little then, there is more
waste, even if there should be no embezzlement, than can well
be conceived.

One or two other matters I beg may be invariably attended to.
The first is to begin harvest as soon as the grain can be cut with
safety ; and the next, to get it in the ground in due season.
Wheat should be sown by the last of August ; at any rate by the
10th of September ; and other fall grain as soon after as possi¬
ble. Spring grain and grass-seeds should be sown as soon as. the
ground can possibly, with propriety, be prepared for their recep¬
tion.

For such essential purposes as may absolutely require the aid
of the ditchers, they may be taken from that work. At all other
times they must proceed in the manner which has been directed
formerly, and in making the new roads from the ferry to the
mill, and from the tumbling dam across the neck, till it communi-

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

597

cates with the Alexandria road, as has been pointed out on the
spot. The ditch from the ferry to the mill along this road may
be a common four-feet one ; but from the mill to the tumbling
dam, and thence across to the head of the old field by Muddy-
Hole fence, it must be five feet wide at the top, but no deeper
than the four-feet one, and the same width at bottom as the
latter.

After the carpenters have given security to the old barn in the
neck, they must proceed to the completion of the new one at the
ferry, according to the plan and the explanations which ha,ve
been given. Gunner and Davis should get bricks made for this
purpose ; and, if John Knowles could be spared (his work, not
only with respect to time, but quantity and quality, to be amply
returned) to examine the bilged walls, and the security of them,
and to level and lay the foundations of the other work when the
bricks are ready, it would be rendering me an essential service ;
and, as the work might be returned in proper season, would be
no detriment to your building.

When the brick work is executed at the ferry barn, Gunner
and Davis must repair to Dogue Run, and make bricks there, at
the place and in the manner which have been directed, that I
may have no salmon bricks in that building.

Oyster-shells should be bought whenever they are offered for
sale, if good and on reasonable terms.

Such moneys as you may receive for flour, barley, fish, as also
for other things, which can be spared and sold ; and for rents,
the use of the jacks, &c. ; and for book debts, which may be
tried, though little is expected from the justice of those who
have been long indulged ; may be applied to the payment
of workmen’s wages as they arise, Fairfax, and the taxes, and
likewise to the payment of any just debts which I may be owing
in small sums, and have not been able to discharge previous to
my leaving the state. The residue may await further orders.

As I shall want shingles, plank, nails, rum for harvest, scant¬
ling, and such like things, which would cost me money at an¬
other time, fish may be bartered for them. The scantling, if any

598

APPENDIX.

is taken, must be suck as will suit for the barn now about to be
built, or that at Dogue Eun, without waste and of good quality.

I find it is indispensably necessary, for two reasons, to save
my own clover and timothy-seed ; first, because it is the only
certain means of having it good and in due season ; and, sec¬
ondly, because I find it is a heavy article to purchase.

Save all the honey-locusts you can of those which belong to
me ; if more could be obtained, the better ; and, in the fall,
plant them on the ditches where they are to remain about six
inches apart, one seed from another.

The seeds, which are on the case in my study, ought, without
loss of time, to be sown and planted in my botanical garden,
and proper memoranda kept of the times and places.

You will use your best endeavors to obtain the means for sup¬
port of G. and L. Washington, who, I expect, will board, till
something further can be decided on, with l)r. Craik, who must
be requested to see that they are decently and properly provided
with clothes from Mr. Porter’s store. He will give them a credit
on my becoming answerable to him for the payment ; and, as I
know of no resource that H. has for supplies but from me, Fanny
will, from time to time, as occasion may require, have such things
got for her, on my account, as she shall judge necessary. Mrs.
Washington will, I expect, leave her tolerably well provided with
common articles for the present.

My memorandum books, which will be left in my study, will
inform you of the times and places, when, and where, different
kinds of wheat, grass-seeds, &c., were sown. Let particular
attention be paid to the quality and quantity of each sort that a
proper judgment of them may be formed. To do this, great care
must be taken to prevent mixture of the several sorts, as they
are so contiguous to each other.

The general superintendence of my affairs is all I require of
you ; for it is neither my desire nor wish that you should become
a drudge to it, or that you should refrain from any amusements
or visitings which may be agreeable either to Fanny or yourself
to make or receive. If Fairfax, the farmer, and Thomas Green,

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

599

on each of whom I have endeavored to impress a proper sense
of their duty, will act their part with propriety and fidelity,
nothing more will be necessary for you to do than would com¬
port with amusement and that exercise which is conducive to
health. Nor is it my wish that you should live in too parsimo¬
nious a manner. Frugality and economy are undoubtedly com¬
mendable, and all that is required. Happily for this country,
these virtues prevail more and more every day among all classes
of citizens. I have heard of, and I have seen with pleasure, a
remarkable change in the mode of living from what it was a
year or two ago ; and nothing but the event, which I dreaded
would take place soon, has prevented my following the example.
Indeed, necessity, if this had not happened, would have forced
me into the measure, as my means are not adequate to the ex¬
pense at which I have lived since my retirement to what is called
private life. Sincerely wishing you health and happiness, I am
ever your warm friend and affectionate uncle.

A VIEW OF THE WORK AT THE SEVERAL PLANTATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON,
IN THE YEAR 1T89, AND GENERAL DIRECTIONS FOR THE EXECUTION OF IT.

From the plans of the plantations, from the courses of the
crops, which are annexed to these plans, and from the mode of
managing them as there prescribed, may be derived a full and
comprehensive view of my designs, after the rotation is once
perfectly established in the succession that is proposed. But, as
this cannot, at all the plantations, be adopted this year, every¬
thing in the meantime must be made to tend to it, against the
next, as far as circumstances will admit.

MUDDY-HOLE FARM.

The ploughs belonging to this plantation, together with those
from Dogue Run, are to continue without interruption or delay,
when not prevented by frost or rain, to break up field No. 5 for
Indian corn. And, when this is accomplished, next to break up
No. 4 for buckwheat, which is to be sewed in April, and ploughed

600

APPENDIX.

in before harvest, as a manure for the crop of wheat, which is
to be sown therein in the month of August next, after these
ploughings are performed.

Then, as there is no field at this plantation which can with
convenience be appropriated for spring grain, or for the crop of
sundries this year, and as the ploughs at Dogue Run, especially
if the winter should prove hard and unfavorable, will not be able,
of themselves, to break up fields No. 4 and No. 6 at their own
plantation, and at the same time prepare those of No. 3 for bar¬
ley and oats, and No. 7 for Indian corn, in due season, the whole
may go to Dogue Run, till the corn at Muddy-Hole shall want
them, and work in No. 6, if the condition of it is such as to ad¬
mit thereof — or in No. 4 at the same place, if it is not — for the
respective crops which are designed for them.

The fence on the ferry road, from the division between the
fields No. 4 and No. 5 to the lane on the mill road, must be re¬
paired with new rails ; but from thence to the gate leading to
the barn from the overseer’s house it should be made tolerably
secure with rails, which may be taken from the opposite side.

As the days are short, walking bad, and the different kinds of
stock will require careful attendance, it may, perhaps, be best to
relinquish the idea of the people of this place having anything
further to do with the new ground at the Mansion House ; and
when not employed, in open weather, with their fencing, to be
threshing out grain. But there is a work of great importance,
if the weather and other circumstances would concur for the ex¬
ecution of it in season. I mean that of getting up rich mud from
the most convenient part of the creek, and laying it in small
heaps, for amelioration, to be carried over the poor parts of
No. 5, which will be in corn. If this last-mentioned work can
be accomplished (and it must be done soon, if any effect is ex¬
pected from it this year, in order that the frost may have time
to operate), the cart may be employed in hauling it to the
ground.

Another piece of work to be done here (as I propose to make
a small quantity of tobacco at this as well as my other planta.-

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON. 601

tions), is to hill the ground that is marked off for it in time.
But, previous to hilling, it must be laid off with the plough into
three-feet squares, that the hills may be made directly on the
cross ; so that, in the early stages of the growth of the tobacco,
it may be tended with a plough each way.

If these several kinds of work should not afford sufficient em¬
ployment for the hoe people, with the cultivation of the ground,
which will be marked out for potatoes and carrots, and which
ought to be ploughed up immediately, they may be preparing
field No. 6, on the creek, for corn in 1790. In the execution of
this work, the cedar-trees are not to be cut down, but trimmed
only, and other trees left here and there for shades. The brush
and rubbish, of all sorts, are to be be thrown into the gullies
and covered over, so as to admit the ploughs to pass.

Both parts of field No. 1 should from this time be withheld
from stock of all kinds, that there may be, in the spring, early
food for the ewes, lambs, and calves. Field No. 3, now in wheat
and rye, must be sown with clover and timothy on the first snow
that falls, six pints of the first and two of the latter per acre.

DOGUE-RUN FARM.

The ploughs belonging to this plantation, when they have per¬
formed what has already been directed for them at Muddy Hole,
together with those of the latter, are to begin, if the ground
will admit of it, to break up No. 6 for buckwheat, to be sown in
April. But if this, on account of the levelness of the field and
the water which may stand on it, can not be done, then plough
No. 4 for the crop of sundries. But, as it is of essential import¬
ance that the oats and barley should be sown early, and the
working of the fields for Indian corn, not so much delayed as to
endanger the prospect for that crop, the ploughings of both No. 6
and No. 4 must be delayed, at least, till the oats and barley are
in, if they can not be broken up in season for the above purposes.
The oats ought to be sown in February, next the post-and-rail
fence ; and the barley as soon after as possible on the other side

602

APPENDIX.

adjoining the corn. With both, clover and timothy, in the pro¬
portions already mentioned, are to be sown.

After the above work is accomplished, it will be time to cross¬
plough and sow such parts of No. 4 as are intended for carrots,
and this is to be done in drills four feet asunder ; and, if the
ground is dry enough, in the month of March, and for flax, which
should be sown in April.

By the time these are done, possibly before it, the fields for
corn will want listing. This corn, in the south part of the field,
next to the woods, may be planted at five feet each way, with
two stalks in a hill, and in the north part, next to Colonel Ma¬
son’s, at four feet each way, with one stalk in a hill. The
ploughings and harrowings necessary for which, without going
into detail with respect to the manner and times, must be given
when wanted.

The sowing of buckwheat in April for manure seems to be the
next thing which calls for the ploughs, because it ought to be
in the ground as soon as all danger of frost is over, that it may
be in the proper state (full bloom) for ploughing in before harvest.

After buckwheat, pease will come next, and the ground for
these, as for the tobacco, must be laid off in squares for hilling,
that they may, before they begin to run and spread, be ploughed
each way. They ought to be planted in May.

Pumpkins, potatoes, turnips, and buckwheat for a crop, in the
order they are mentioned, will next claim the assistance of the
ploughs. The first should be planted in May, in hills eight feet
apart and well manured ; the second in June, in drills four feet
apart and a foot asunder in the rows, with a large handful of
manure on each potato, which should be uncut and of the largest
sort ; the third — that is, turnips — to be sown partly in June and
partly in July ; and the fourth, buckwheat, as near as may be to
the 10th of July.

This field of sundries may be thus apportioned : Carrots, five
acres ; potatoes, five ; pumpkins, one ; turnips, one ; pease, fif¬
teen ; flax, three ; tobacco, five ; buckwheat, thirty-five ; being
seventy acres in all.

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

603

That it may be ascertained, by repeated experiments, whether
carrots or potatoes are the most productive and valuable root, I
would have the ten acres allotted for them in one square, and
the rows for each alternate through the whole square, and each
to have the same quantity of manure allowed to it.

The work which has been mentioned for the ploughs, together
with the ploughing in of the buckwheat before harvest, the wheat
after harvest, with the workings of the several species of crops
during their growth, is all the employment that can be recol¬
lected at present for this part of the force of the plantation, until
the autumn ploughing for the next year’s crop commences. But
as these — till the system is brought more into practice, and the
preceding crop is a better preparation of the ground for the suc¬
ceeding one than is the case at present — will require much exer¬
tion and an addition of ploughs, one may be added to the num¬
ber at Dogue Run, which will make five there ; and another at
Muddy Hole, which wrill make four there.

Much fencing is necessary at this plantation before it can be
said to be advantageously laid off, and in good order. That
which requires to be first done, is the one which divides field
No. 4 from the meadow ; but, as the rails which are about the
stacks will be most convenient for this work, it may be delayed
until they can be spared. In the meantime, no heavy stock must
run in that field to trample and poach the meadow.

The next that requires doing, is the line from the head of the
meadow to the new road, which is to be laid off thence with the
road to the tumbling dam, and thence round field No. T, agree¬
ably to the ploughing, and the rails which have been laid there.

Next after these, the cross-fence between field No. 5 and the
wood should be done ; and then the fence, which was begun last
year, but not finished, between fields No. 2 and No. 3. The
fence which divides the first of these — that is, No. 2 — from the
great meadow, requires doing also. Ail these are essential ; as
it also is to strengthen the post-and-rail fence which divides
No. 1 from No. 2 and No. 3 ; but, as this never can be made a
good one until the whole is taken down and both posts and rails

604

APPENDIX.

shortened, it must be postponed till there is time to do this —
righting up in such a manner as to make it answer for the pres¬
ent, being all that can be attempted this year.

Lastly, when time will admit, after the posting and railing
from the tumbling dam to the mill is completed, the rails, which
at present run upon that line, may serve to separate the great
meadow into three divisions, as will be marked out.

Everything that the hoe people can do in the course of the
winter toward getting the old crop off hand, and preparing for
the new one, ought to be the first object of consideration, and
must be closely attended to. Carrying out manure, when the
cart can be spared and the ground is in order for its reception,
either for carrots, potatoes, tobacco, or other things, is not to be
neglected. Grubbing and filling up gullies, in the fields which
are to receive crops this year, is also essential ; and, if these
should not afford sufficient employment, the overplus time may
be spent in clearing swamps, or the sides of them, so that they
may hereafter, when drained effectually, be tended in tobacco
previous to their being laid down in grass.

At this place I propose to plant about thirty thousand tobacco-
plants, in field No. 4, round the houses and stacks, where they
will be most convenient to the manure ; and, where the ground
is not very rich, I would join a gallon or a large double handful
of manure to each hill. The ground for the crop ought to be
broken up early, either with the ploughs or hoes, that the green
sward may have time to rot. If thirty thousand hills can not be
got here, the deficiency may be made up by the gate that goes
into field No. 5.

RIVER FARM.

Early and good ploughing at this place is indispensably neces¬
sary. The field No. 7, intended for spring grain — that is, bar¬
ley and oats — would, if justice were done to it, call for a second
or cross ploughing by the time the ploughs will begin to break it
up. Consequently, field No. 1, designed for corn, will hardly
get more than a listing ; and the field No. 4 which ought to have

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

605

received a crop of sundries, must go altogether uncultivated this
year.

After field No. T is sown with barley, oats, and grass-seed —
the latter in the proportion mentioned in the other places, if the
preparation of No. 1 for corn can not be postponed, without in¬
volving injurious consequences to that crop — the ploughs must
go there next, and do all that is necessary for getting it planted
in time, and in good order.

But, as I do not mean to plant potatoes or carrots among corn
this year, as was the case last year, inclining to allot separate
spots for this purpose, these spots, and that which is intended
for tobacco, ought to be immediately ploughed ; that the weeds
and grass, where there are any, may have time to rot, and the
ground be in order to receive manure. The spot which I would
principally appropriate for carrots and potatoes, is that whereon
the flax grew last year ; but if more can be conveniently obtained
elsewhere, it ought to be had, as that spot is insufficient. The
ground for tobacco (forty thousand plants) I mean to lay off in
a long square, from the farm-pen up to field No. 2, which, when
ploughed and checkered, will be ready to receive manure at times
when the carts can with convenience carry it out.

All the ploughings, which are here enumerated, being accom¬
plished, the season probably will have arrived when No. 8 will
require to be cross-ploughed, and sowed with buckwheat for
manure in April. This is, in all respects, to be managed as has
been directed for Dogue Run, and after harvest is to receive
wheat, in August, as there mentioned.

These, with the necessary workings of the several species of
crops, which must not be neglected, will, it is presumed, give
sufficient employment for the ploughs. If not, there can be no
difficulty in finding work for them.

Much fencing is wanting on this plantation before it can be in
the order I wish to see it ; but, among the most essential of these,
is the fence which is to enclose field No. 1 for corn ; that which
runs from the second gate, going into the plantation, to the
creek, dividing my land from Colonel Mason’s ; and that which

606

APPENDIX.

is to form the lane, whieh is to lead from the barn into the lane
which now goes to Johnson’s, and which must continue the other
way, so as to open a communication with the fields No 1, No. 2,
No. 3, and No. 4. As timber is very scarce on this tract, it
must, in fencing as well as in other things, be made to go as far
as possible ; consequently, posts and rails, of a good and sub¬
stantial kind, must be substituted instead of the usual kind of
worm-fences.

To point out all the work for the hoe people of this plantation,
is unnecessary. To finish the old, and to prepare for the new
crop ; to put up fences ; to heap up manure early, that it may
get well and soon rotted ; to carry it out, and to lay it in the
furrows intended for carrots and potatoes, and on the ground
intended for tobacco ; making hills for the tobacco ; grubbing
and filling gullies in the fields, which are to receive crops this
year, with old rails, old stumps, old trees, and such other rubbish
as can be had conveniently ; levelling the bank on which a fence
formerly ran through field No. 8 — will, with the cultivation of
the crops that will be planted and sown, and gathering them in,
compose the greater part, if not all, of their labor. But, if
there should, notwithstanding, be time for other things, I know
of nothing in which they could be more advantageously em¬
ployed than in getting up rich mud from the branches in field
No. 8, to spread over the poor and washed parts of that field,
before it is sown in wheat next August.

MANSION-HOUSE FARM.

The ditchers, after the post-and-rail fence, which they are now
about, to the tumbling dam is completed, and a strong one put
up across the mill run, as will be marked off, may continue on
to the mill by the line of stakes which will be set up ; but they
are not to use for this purpose those posts which were got by
Marley’s house, as they will be more convenient for the lane
which is to form the new road from the ferry by the mill, as
authorized by the court. After this work is performed, it will
be time enough to point out more.

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

607

To say what the other part of the force at this place shall be
employed about, is next to impossible, since there is such a va¬
riety of jobs for them to attend to, besides fishing, hay-making,
and the grain-harvest in their respective seasons, which must
unavoidably employ them while they last.

But, as it is designed to raise tobacco, and to tend in corn
that part, at least, of the new ground in front of the house,
which was cleared last year, in order that it may be laid down in
the fall in wheat and orchard grass, they must prepare for them
accordingly, and, under the circumstances above-mentioned,
attempt as much of the first — that is, tobacco — as there is a
moral certainty of their tending well. The men may be em¬
ployed in getting posts and rails of a good kind for the purpose
of enclosing this tobacco. But it is essential, if any labor is
expected from the girls and boys who are about this house, to
keep some person with them, who will not only make them work,
but who will see that the work is well executed, and that the
idleness which they appear every day in the practice of may be
avoided.

608

APPENDIX.

FIRST STATEMENT OF THE CROPS IN 1T89.

Corn ; 375 acres. 1 ploughing in the fall of 1788 .

Listing the field in March, about £ of the above work .
Opening the furrows in April, § of the last work
Breaking up the balks in May, £ of the whole
Ploughing do. in June, do. do.

Do. do. in July, do. do.

Three times harrowed do. do. each 281

Rye; 375 acres. Once ploughed for seeding in September
Once harrowed do.

Buckwheat ; 375 acres. One ploughing after Rye comes off
One do. in April .

Three harrowings, 1 before, and 2 after sowing
Wheat ; 375 acres. Ploughing in Buckwheat in June

Do. seeding ground with Wheat in August

Har-

Acres. Acres, rowed.

Sundries ; 375 acres.

75 do.

234 do.

8 do.

One harrowing after sowing .

One ploughing in the fall of 1788 .

in Pease ploughed into three-feet ridges in April
Checkered, about \ of above work in April
in Buckwheat for a crop, ploughed in April
Do. 1st July

Three times harrowed 1st of July
Scarcity ploughed in March
do. May .

do. July . . .

8 do. Pumpkins, ploughed in March
do. May .

do. July

Flax, ploughed in March .
do. April

20 do.

Barley ; 375 acres.

Three times harrowed
First ploughing January or February
Second do. February or March
Three times harrowed

375

19
234
234

20
20

375

1343

281

750

1025

750

843

281

1125

375

'02

1125

489914511

Of the above Work ,

Between the 1st of October and Christmas, Corn amounts to .

Buckwheat “ “

Sundries “ “ .

In January and February, Barley, first ploughing

February and May do. second “ ...

March, listing for Corn as above ...

Ploughing first time for Root of Scarcity

Do. do. Flax ....

Do. do. Pumpkins

375

1125

375

130

1125

2005 1125

Carried over,

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS ;BY WASHINGTON.

609

Brought over,

April, second ploughing for Flax .

Do. Pease, in three-feet ridges

Do. checkered ....
Opening Corn lists for planting
Buckwheat for manure

May, Do. for seed ....

Pumpkins, second ploughing, 8 ; Root of Scarcity, 8 .

Breaking balks between Corn .

June, ploughing Corn second time .

Do. Buckwheat for manure .

July, Buckwheat for seed .......

Third ploughing of Corn .

Third do. Root of Scarcity, 8 ; Pumpkins, 8 .

August, Wheat .

September, Rye .

Acres.

Har-

roweil.

2005

1125

375

520

1125

234

281

531

281

375

656

234

702

281

531

375

281

4899

4511

Results of the First Statement.

Dr.

£ s. d.

For 375 bushels Rye for seed,

at 3s . 56 5 0

375 bushels Buckwheat for

seed, at 2s. . . . 37 10 0

375 do. Wheat, do. 5s. . 93 15 0

750 do. Barley, do. 3s. 6 d. 131 5 0

Sundries, viz. :

75 bush. Pease for seed,

at 4s . 15 0 0

234 do. Buckwheat, 2s. . 23 8 0

30 do. Flax, 3s. 6c?. . 5 5 0

3750 lbs. Clover-seed, 8 d. . 125 0 0

3120 bushels of Corn for

negroes, at 3s. . . 468 0 0

2750 bushels of Rye for

horses, 3s. . . . 412 10 0

100 do. Salt, 2s. 6c?. . 12 10 0

330 gallons Rum, 2s. . 33 00 0
750 bushels of potatoes,

for seed, Is. . . 37 10 0

£1450 18 0

Cr.

£ s. d.

By 5625 bushels Corn, at 3s. . 843 0 0
5625 do. Rye, 3s. . 843 0 0

5625 do. Potatoes, Is. . 281 5 0

4500 do. Barley, 3s. 6c?. 787 0 0

3750 do. Wlieat, 5s. . 937 10 0

Sundries, viz. :

1404 bushels Buckwheat,
at 2s. . . . . 140 8 0

375 do. Pease, 4s. . . 75 0 0

100 do. Flax-seed, 3s. 6c?. 17 10 0

Dressed Flax.

Buckwheat, 375 acres
for manure

3924 13 0

375 acres Clover 20s. . 375

4299 13 0

100 thousand Tobacco
hills, 20 hhds. £7 10s. 150

£4449 13 0

SECOND STATEMENT OF CROPS IN 1789.

Corn ; 375 acres. Same in all respects as No. 1
Buckwheat; 375 acres. First ploughing in April .

Second do. last of June

Three harrowings .

Wheat; 375 acres. One ploughing after the Buckwheat is cut

Two harrowings .

Sundries ; 375 acres. The same as No. 1 .

Barley ; 375 acres. The same as No. 1 ....

Acres.

Har¬

rowed.

375

1343

843

. 375

750

375

1125

750

1025

762

750

1125

4243

4605

610

APPENDIX.

Of the above Work,

One ploughing for Corn, 1788 .

Fall, one ploughing for Sundries, do. .

January and February, first ploughing for Barley .

February and March, second do. do. .

March, listing for Corn .

ploughing first time for Root of Scarcity

Do. do. Flax ....

Do. do. Pumpkins ....

April, second ploughing for Flax .

Do. Pease, in three-feet ridges

Do. checkered ....

Opening Corn lists .

First ploughing for Buckwheat for a crop

May, first ploughing of Buckwheat among the sundries

Pumpkins, second ploughing, 8 acres ; Scarcity, 8 do.
ploughing balks between Corn, first time .

June, ploughing Corn second time .

second do. of Buckwheat .

July, the same .

Corn third time .

third ploughing for Scarcity, 8 ; for Pumpkins, 8

August, ploughing for Wheat .

Acres.

Har-

rowed.

375

750

1125

—

130

375

234

281

520

—

531

281

375

281

—

656

1125

234

702

281

—

531

375

750

4243

4605

Results of the Second Statement

Dr.

£ s. d.

For 375 bushels of Buckwheat

for seed, 2s. . . . 37 10 0

375 do. seed Wheat, 5s. . 93 15 0
Sundries, viz. :

75 bushels Pease, 4s. .15 0 0

234 do. Buckwheat, 2s. . 23 8 0

30 do. Flax-seed, 3s. 6 d. . 5 5 0

750 do. Barley, 3s. 6c?. .131 5 0

3750 lbs. Clover-seed, 8c?. . 125 0 0

3120 bushels of Corn, 3s. . 468 0 0

2750 do. Rye, 3s. . 412 10 0

100 do. Salt, 2s. 6c?. 12 10 0

330 gallons Rum, 2s. . 33 0 0

750 bushels Potatoes for
seed, Is. 37 10 0

£1394 13 0

Ce.

£ s. d.

By 5625 bushels of Corn, 3s. 843 0 0

5625 do. Potatoes, Is. 281 5 0

Buckwheat ploughed in for
manure.

3750 bushels Wheat, 5s. . 937 10 0
Sundries, viz. :

375 bushels of Pease, 4s. 75 0 0

1404 do. Buckwheat, 2s. 140 8 0

4500 do. Barley, 3s. 6c?. 787 0 0

100 do. Flax-seed, 3s. 6c?. 17 10 0

£3081 13 0

Dressed Flax.

375 acres Clover, 20s. . 375 0 0
375 do. do. do. . 375 0 0

£3831 13 0

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

THIED STATEMENT OF CKOPS IN 1789.

Corn; 375 acres. The same as No. 1 and No. 2

Barley ; 375 acres. do. do. do .

Buckwheat ; 375 acres. Ploughed in fall, in March and April,

Wheat; 375 acres. Ploughed in June, to cover Buckwheat and Corn

in August .

Flax ; 20 acres. Ploughed twice — harrowed three times .

611

Acres.

Har-

rowed.

1343

843

750

1125

750

375

4008

3528

Of the above Work,

Fall, one ploughing for Corn, 1788

Do. Buckwheat, do.

January and February, first ploughing for Barley .
February and March, second do. do. .

March, listing for Corn .

Second ploughing for Buckwheat
First do. Flax .

April, second do. do .

Third do. Buckwheat

Opening Corn lists .

May, breaking up the balks between Corn
June, second ploughing of Corn ....
Ploughing in Buckwheat .

July, ploughing Corn the third time
Ploughing for Wheat or Buckwheat

Acres.

Har¬

rowed.

375

750

375

750

1125

375

489

375

750

426

281

375

656

281

375

656

750

4008

3528

Results of Third Statement

Dr.

£ s.d.

For 750 bushels of Barley for

seed, at 3s. 6c?. . . 131 15 0

375 do. Buckwheat, 2s. . 37 10 0

375 do. Wheat, 5s. . . 93 15 0

3750 lbs. Clover-seed, 8o?. . 125 0 0

30 bushels of Flax-seed . 5 5 0

3120 do. Corn, 3s. .468 0 0

2750 do. Rye for horses . 412 10 0

100 do. Salt, 2s. 6c?. . 12 10 0

330 gallons of Rum, 2s. . 33 10 0

750 bushels Potatoes for
seed, Is. . . . -37 10 0

Cr.

£ s. c?.

By 5625 bushels of Corn, 3s. 843 0 0
5625 do. Potatoes, Is. .281 5 0

4500 do. Barley, 3s. 6c?. . 787 0 0

3750 do. Wheat, 5s. . . 937 10 0

Buckwheat for manure.

100 bush. Flax-seed, 3s. 6c?. 17 10 0

£2866 5 0

375 acres Clover, 20s. . 375
375 do. do. do. . 375
375 do. do. do. . 375

£1357 5 0

£3091 5 0

612

APPENDIX.

MANAGER’S WEEKLY REPORT*
April 14, 1792.

Meteorological Table.

Morning.

Noon.

Night.

April 8th . . .

“ 9 th . . .

“ 10 th . . .

E. Clear.

S. E. Rain.

S. W. Cloudy.

S. E. Cloudy.
S. E. Cloudy.
S.W. Rain.

S. E. Rain.

S. E. Cloudy.
S. E. Rain.

“ llth . . .

58 E. Rain.

S. E. Rain.

“ 1 2th . . .

57 N. E. Rain.

56 N. E. Hard Rain.

N. E. Cloudy.
N. E. Rain.

“ 13th . . .

52 N. E. Cloudv.

56 N. E. Rain.

“ 14 th . . .

54 N.W. Cloudy.

58 N. W. Cloudy.

N.W. Clear.

Dr.

Mansion-House Farm for the work of 12 men, 6 boys, and 4 girls,
amounting per week to

Cr.

By a wagon hauling posts and rails to Ferry-Barn lane

By do. hauling hay 1, stocks 1, timber for shafts for carts and moving park
rails 1 .

By hauling 6 barrels salt to Major Washington’s landing, and bringing
home straw ........

By carts hauling manure from Ferry Barn to No. 2 French’s

By cleaning loose manure about stables, and hauling it to lot intended for
lucerne ........

By hauling corn from Ferry, and bran and meal from Mill wood to Mansion .

By hauling stones to repair the crossing-place of Muddy-Hole Swamp, at
the head of French’s meadow .....

By Old Jack in care of granary 6, Old Frank in care of stock 6

By Peter, in care of mares, mules, and jacks ....

By Gunner digging brick-earth 3, cutting poles to build a brick house 2 .

By putting up post-and-rail fence leading to Ferry Barn

By hauling seine, cleaning, striking, and packing fish

By Easter Monday .......

By sickness Boatswain 6, Mima 3, Richmond 3, Postilion Joe 3, Lynna 3,
Sam 3 .

Total

Days.

132

5
2

6
5
5

132

* While Washington was absent from home, in discharging the duties of Pres¬
ident of the United States, it was his custom to exact from the manager at Mount
Vernon, once in each week, a full report of the proceedings on all the farms. This
paper is a sample of those reports. In the meteorological table, the figures denote
the state of the thermometer, and the initial letters the direction of the wind. The
design of this table was to communicate a knowledge of the weather, by •which a more
correct judgment could be formed of the amount of time that the laborers could prop¬
erly be employed at their work. Each report was accompanied with an explana¬
tory letter from the manager, containing other particulars. These were regularly
answered once a week by the President, and sometimes oftener. His letters fre¬
quently filled two or three sheets, closely written. The importance he attached to
these letters, and his diligence in preparing them, may be understood from the fact
that he first made rough drafts, which were copied out by himself in a fair hand be¬
fore they were sent off. Press-copies were then taken, which he preserved. This
habit was pursued, without intermission, from the beginning to the end of the presi¬
dency. — Sparks.

AGRICULTURAL DIRECTIONS BY WASHINGTON.

613

Increase 2 Calves and 2 mules. Received from Mill, 22 bushels of Meal, and
29 bushels of Bran; from Ferry, 3 barrels of Corn. Stock, 11 head of Cattle,
4 Calves, 60 Sheep, 28 Lambs, 4 working Mares, 4 do. Horses, 5 Colts, 4 spring
do., 2 Jacks, 2 old Jennies, 1 do. three years old, 1 do. two years old, 1 do. one
year old, 15 Mules, 10 one year old, 2 spring do. ; and 11 Mares.

Dr. Days.

Ditchers, for the work of 6 men, amounting per week to . . .36

Cr. —

By Baths and Paschal mortising posts 1, fencing Ferry-Barn new lane 4 . 10

By Boatswain and Robin mauling rails 1, and fencing as above 4 . . 10

By Charles hauling seine ....... 5

By Dundee sawing trunnels with Dogue-Run hands ... 5

By Easter Monday ........ 6

Total ... 36

N. B. There has been almost one day and part of another lost by rain this week.

DR. Days.

Muddy-Hole Farm for the work of 3 men and 9 women, amounting per

week to ......... 72

Cr. —

By listing in No. 2 ....... 4

By a cart hauling stakes and trunnels to the fence between Nos. 1 and 7 3

By hauling rails to No. 1 Lane fence ...... 1

By raising the bank with a plough and hoes between No. 1 and No. 7 11

By putting up fences on said bank 19, cutting stakes and trunnels for do. 7 . 26

By taking down and new setting the Lane fence of No. 1 . . . 7

By Easter Monday . . . . . . . .12

By sickness, Kate 3, Amy 2, Molly 3 .... 8

Total ... 72

Received from Mill 6 bushels of Meal, and 6 bushels of Rye Meal. — Stock, 37
head of cattle, 5 Calves, 30 Sheep, 8 working Horses, and 1 Mule.

DlL Days.

Ferry and French’s Farms for the work of 7 men, 16 women, and 4 boys,

amounting per week to . . . . . .162

Cr. —

By listing new ground in French’s meadow . . . . .16

By carts hauling stakes, rails, and trunnels to different fences . . 6

By hauling manure to No. 2 French’s 3 ; hauling corn to Mill 1 .4

By repairing fences, 34 ; burning logs and brush in the swamp 30 . 64

By heaping manure 4, beating out corn 4, cutting and mauling stakes and
trunnels 4 . . . . . . . .12

By spinning 3, hauling seine 5, French’s Tom at Mansion-House 5 . 13

By Easter Monday ........ 27

By sickness, Doll 6, Old Daph 5, Betty 4, Rose 3, Delia 2 20

Total . . .162

Increase, 2 Calves and 5 Lambs. Received from Mill, 12f bushels of Meal, sent
do. 53 bushels of Corn. To Mansion-House 3 barrels of do., feed to Horses 1 bar¬
rel of do. — Stock, 83 head of Cattle, 5 Calves, 136 Sheep, 60 Lambs, 16 working
Horses, and 2 Mules.

-Db. Days.

River Farm for the work of 9 men, 18 women, and 1 girl, amounting per
week to ........ 168

Cr. —

By listing in No. 6 ....... 10

By carts hauling manure on do. . . . . . 6

614

APPENDIX.

By hauling rails 2, going to Mill 1 . . . . .3

By loading carts with manure 6, cutting straw 3 . . . . 9

By plashing thorn-hedge 4, repairing the bank of Lane fence No. 6, 2 . 6

By stopping hog-hole in do. 6, putting up new fence next to the woods of do. 18 24

By cutting corn-stalks, and getting them off ... 56

Lost by rain, or very little done ...... 20

By Easter Monday ........ 28

By Cornelia in childbed ..... . 6

Total . . .168

Increase, 2 Calves. Received from Mill, 9| bushels of Meal, and 10 bushels of
Rye Meal. — Stock, 83 head of Cattle, 5 Calves, 221 Sheep, 45 Lambs, 4 working
Mares, 13 working Horses, and 1 Mule

DR* Days. .

Dogue-Run Farm for the work of 6 men, 8 women, and 2 girls, amount¬
ing per week to ........ 96

Cr. -

By listing in No. 2, 5, by ploughing in Mill meadow 2 7

By raising a bank with a plough and hoes in Mill meadow for the fence . 19

By sawing trunnels 5, mauling do. 5, cutting in Mill meadow 2 . . 12

By repairing fence around the middle meadow . . . .10

By repairing fence around No. 2, 7, by spinning 2 9

By hauling post and rails to Ferrv-Barn, new lane .... 5

By hauling rails to Mill meadow fence ..... 3

By hauling rails to the middle meadow fence . . . . . 2

By Easter Monday . . . . . . . . 16

By sickness, Grace 3, Molly 3, Sail 3, Cicely 4 . . . .13

Total ... 96

Received from Mill, 6| bushels of Meal. — Stock, 57 head of Cattle, 1 Calf, 124
Sheep, 9 working Horses, and 1 Mule.

DR* Days.

Joiners and Carpenters for the work of 6 men and 2 boys, amounting
per week to ....... 48

Cr. —

By Thomas Green making sashes for the new quarter .... 5

By Mahony putting up the berths in do. . . . . . 5

By Isaac making and mending ploughs 4, getting ash for rake-handles 1 . 5

By Jam making a new cart and shafts, and getting beach stocks for planes 5

By Sambo and David sawing gate-stuff 2, getting stocks and ash for rake-

handles 6 ......... 8

By Sambo ripping plank on account of rain . 1

Ry David with Isaac on account of do. . . . . .1

By Joe planing plank ....... 5

By Christopher at do. 4, and 1 day with the wagon .... 5

By Easter Monday ........ 8

Total . .48

DR* Mill for Sundries. Cr.

Ferry and French’s
Toll Corn received

Total received .

Toll Corn ground .

Corn.

Meal.

Bran.

By Dogue-Run Plantation

. 6§

By River Plantation

By Muddy Hole

. 6

62|

By Ferry and French’s .

. 12f

By Mansion-House

. 22

Total delivered

By Coopers and Miller

56£

Rye

Meal.

LEE’S FUNERAL ORATION ON WASHINGTON.

C15

NOTE VI.-Page 3 61.

ORATION ON THE DEATH OF GENERAL WASHINGTON,

PRONOUNCED BEFORE BOTH HOUSES OF CONGRESS, ON DECEMBER 16, 1799
BY MAJOR-GENERAL HENRY LEE.

In obedience to your will, I rise, your humble organ, with the
hope of executing a part of the system of public mourning which
you have been pleased to adopt, commemorative of the death of
the most illustrious and most beloved personage this country has
ever produced ; and which, while it transmits to posterity your
sense of the awful event, faintly represents your knowledge of
the consummate excellence you so cordially honor.

Desperate, indeed, is any attempt on earth to meet correspond¬
ency this dispensation of Heaven ; for while, with pious resigna¬
tion, we submit to the will of an all-gracious Providence, we can
never cease lamenting, in our finite view of Omnipotent Wisdom,
the heart-rending privation for which our nation weeps. When
the civilized world shakes to its centre — when every moment
gives birth to strange and momentous changes — when our
peaceful quarter of the globe, exempt, as it happily has been,
from any share in the slaughter of the human race, may yet be
compelled to abandon her pacific policy, and to risk the doleful
casualties of war — what limit is there to the extent of our loss ?
None within the reach of my words to express — none which
your feelings will not disavow.

The founder of our federate republic, our bulwark in war, our
guide in peace, is no more ! 0 that this were but questionable !

Hope, the comforter of the wretched, would pour into our ago¬
nizing hearts its balmy dew ; but, alas ! there is no hope for us.

GIG

APPENDIX.

Our Washington is removed for ever! Possessing the stoutest
frame and purest mind, he had passed nearly to his sixty-eighth
year, in the enjoyment of high health, when, habituated by his
care of us to neglect himself, a slight cold, disregarded, became
inconvenient on Friday, oppressive on Saturday, and, defying
every medical interposition, before the morning of Sunday, put
an end to the best of men. An end did I say ? His fame sur¬
vives ! bounded only by the limits of the earth and by the extent
of the human mind. He survives in our hearts, in the growing
knowledge of our children, in the affections of the good throughout
the world; and, when our monuments shall be done away —
when nations now existing shall be no more — when even our
young and far-spreading empire shall have perished — still will
our Washington’s glory unfaded shine, and die not, until love of
virtue cease on earth, or earth itself sink into chaos.

How, my fellow-citizens, shall I single to your grateful hearts
his pre-eminent worth ? Where shall I begin in opening to your
view a character throughout sublime ? Shall I speak of his
warlike achievements, all springing from obedience to his coun¬
try’s will — all directed to his country’s good ?

Will you go with me to the banks of the Monongahela to see
your youthful Washington supporting, in the dismal hour of In¬
dian victory, the ill-fated Braddock, and saving, by his judgment
and by his valor, the remains of a defeated army, pressed by the
conquering savage foe ? Or, when oppressed America, nobly re¬
solving to risk her all in defence of her violated rights, he was
elevated by the unanimous voice of Congress to the command of
her armies, will you follow him to the high grounds of Bos¬
ton, where, to an undisciplined, courageous, and virtuous yeo¬
manry, his presence gave the stability of system, and infused
the invincibility of love of country ? Or shall I carry you to
the painful scenes of Long Island, York Island, and New Jersey;
when, combating superior and gallant armies, aided by powerful
fleets, and led by chiefs high in the roll of fame, he stood the
bulwark of our safety, undismayed by disaster — unchanged by
change of fortune ? Or will you view him in the precarious

LEE’S FUNERAL ORATION ON WASHINGTON.

617

fields of Trenton, where deep glooms, unnerving every arm,
reigned triumphant through our thinned, worn down, unaided
ranks, himself unmoved ? Dreadful was the night ! It was
about this time of winter. The storm raged ; the Delaware,
rolling furiously with floating ice, forbade the approach of man.
Washington, self-collected, viewed the tremendous scene ; his
country called. Unappalled by surrounding dangers, he passed
to the hostile shore ; he fought — he conquered ! The morning
sun cheered the American world. Our country rose on the
event, and her dauntless chief, pursuing his blow, completed, on
the lawns of Princeton, what his vast soul had conceived on the
shores of Delaware.

Thence to the strong grounds of Morristown he led his small
but gallant band, and through an eventful winter, by the high
efforts of his genius, whose matchless force was measurable only
by the growth of difficulties, he held in check formidable hostile
legions, conducted by a chief experienced in the art of war, and
famed for his valor on the ever-memorable heights of Abraham,
where fell Wolfe, Montcalm, and, since, our much lamented
Montgomery, all covered with glory. In this fortunate interval,
produced by his masterly conduct, our fathers, ourselves, ani¬
mated by his resistless example, rallied around our country’s
standard, and continued to follow her beloved chief through the
various and trying scenes to which the destinies of our Union led.

Who is there that has forgotten the vales of Brandywine, the
fields of Germantown, or the plains of Monmouth ? Everywhere
present, wants of every kind obstructing, numerous and valiant
armies encountering, himself a host, he assuaged our sufferings,
limited our privations, and upheld our tottering republic. Shall
I display to you the spread of the fire of his soul by rehearsing
the praises of the hero of Saratoga and his much-loved compeer
of the Carolina ? No, our Washington wears not borrowed
glory. To Gates — to Green — he gave, without reserve, the
applause due to their eminent merit ; and long may the chiefs of
Saratoga and of Eutaws receive the grateful respect of a grate¬
ful people.

618

APPENDIX.

Moving in his own orbit, he imparted heat and light to his
most distant satellites ; and, combining the physical and moral
force of all within his sphere, with irresistible weight he took
his course, commiserating folly, disdaining vice, dismaying trea¬
son, and invigorating despondency, until the auspicious hour ar¬
rived, when, united with the intrepid forces of a potent and
magnanimous ally, he brought to submission the since conqueror
of India ; thus finishing his long career of military glory with a
lustre corresponding with his great name, and in this, his last
act of war, affixing the seal of fate to our nation’s birth.

To the horrid din of war sweet peace succeeded ; and our
virtuous chief, mindful only of the public good, in a moment
tempting personal aggrandizement, hushed the discontents of
growing sedition, and, surrendering his power into the hands from
which he had received it, converted his sword into a plough¬
share, teaching an admiring world that, to be truly great, you
must be truly good.

Was I to stop here, the picture would be incomplete and the
task imposed unfinished. Great as was our Washington in war,
and much as did that greatness contribute to produce the Ameri¬
can republic, it is not in war alone his pre-eminence stands con¬
spicuous ; his various talents combining all the capacities of a
statesman with those of a soldier, fitted him alike to guide the
councils and the armies of our nation. Scarcely had he rested
from his martial toils, while his invaluable parental advice was
still sounding in our ears, when he who had been our shield and
our sword was called forth to act a less splendid, but more im¬
portant, part.

Possessing a clear and penetrating mind, a strong and sound
judgment, calmness and temper for deliberation, with invinci¬
ble firmness and perseverance in resolutions maturely formed,
drawing information from all, acting from himself, with incor¬
ruptible integrity and unvarying patriotism, his own superiority
and the public confidence alike marked him as the man designed
by Heaven to lead in the great political, as well as military,
events, which have distinguished the area of his life.

LEE’S FUNERAL ORATION ON WASHINGTON.

619

The finger of an overruling Providence pointing at Washing¬
ton was neither mistaken nor unobserved ; when, to realize the
vast hopes to which our Revolution had given birth, a change of
political system became indispensable.

How novel, how grand, the spectacle — independent states
stretched over an immense territory, and known only by common
difficulty, clinging to their Union as the rock of their safety, de¬
ciding by frank comparison of their relative condition to rear on
that rock, under the guidance of reason, a common government,
through whose commanding protection liberty and order, with
their long train of blessings, should be safe to themselves and the
sure inheritance of their posterity !

This arduous task devolved on citizens selected by the people,
from a knowledge of their wisdom and confidence in their virtue.
In this august assembly of sages and of patriots, Washington, of
course, was found ; and, as if acknowledged to be most wise
where all were wise, with one voice he was declared their chief.
How well he merited this rare distinction — how faithful were the
labors of himself and his compatriots, the work of their hands
and our union, strength, and prosperity — the fruits of that work
best attest.

But to have essentially aided in presenting to his country this
consummation of her hopes, neither satisfied the claims of his
fellow-citizens on his talents, nor those duties which the possession
of those talents imposed. Heaven had not infused into his mind
such an uncommon share of its etherial spirit to remain unem¬
ployed, nor bestowed on him his genius unaccompanied by the
corresponding duty of devoting it to the common good. To
have framed a constitution, was showing only, without realizing,
the general happiness. This great work remained to be done ;
and America, steadfast in her preference, with one voice sum¬
moned her beloved Washington, unpractised as he was in the
duties of civil administration, to execute this last act in the com¬
pletion of the national felicity. Obedient to her call, he assumed
the high office with that self-distrust peculiar to his innate mod¬
esty, the constant attendant of pre-eminent virtue. What was

620

APPENDIX.

the burst of joy through our anxious land on this exhilirating
event, is known to us all. The aged, the young, the brave, the
fair, rivalled each other in demonstrations of their gratitude ;
and this high-wrought, delightful scene was heightened in its
effect by the singular contest between the zeal of the bestowers
and the avoidance of the receiver of the honors bestowed. Com¬
mencing his administration, what heart is not charmed with the
recollection of the pure and wise principles announced by him¬
self as the basis of his political life ? He best understood the
indissoluble union between virtue and happiness, between duty
and advantage, between the genuine maxims of an honest and
magnanimous policy, and the solid rewards of public prosperity
and individual felicity. Watching with an equal and compre¬
hensive eye over this great assemblage of communities and in¬
terests, he laid the foundations of our national policy in the un¬
erring, immutable principles of morality, based on religion ;
exemplifying the pre-eminence of free government by all the
attributes which win the affections of its citizens or command the
respect of the world.

“ O fortunatos dimium sua sibona norint !”

Leading through the complicated difficulties produced by pre¬
vious obligations and conflicting interests, seconded by succeed¬
ing houses of Congress, enlightened and patriotic, he surmounted
all original obstructions and brightened the path of our national
felicity.

The presidential term expiring, his solicitude to exchange
exaltation for humility returned with a force increased with in¬
crease of age ; and he had prepared his farewell address to his
countrymen, proclaiming his intention, when the united interpo¬
sition of all around him, enforced by the eventful prospects of
the epoch, produced a further sacrifice of inclination to duty. The
election of president followed, and Washington, by the unani¬
mous vote of the nation, was called to resume the chief magis¬
tracy. What a wonderful fixture of confidence ! Which attracts
most our admiration — a people so correct or a citizen combining
an assemblage of talents forbidding rivalry, and stifling even

LEES FUNERAL ORATION ON WASHINGTON.

621

envy itself ? Such a nation deserves to be happy — such a chief
must be for ever revered.

War, long menaced by the Indian tribes, now broke out ; and
the terrible conflict, deluging Europe with blood, began to shed
its baneful influence over our happy land. To the first-outstretch¬
ing his invincible arm, under the orders of the gallant Wayne,
the American eagle soared triumphant through distant forests.
Peace followed victory, and the melioration of the condition of
the enemy followed peace. Godlike virtue, which uplifts even
the subdued savage !

To the second he opposed himself. New and delicate was the
conjuncture, and great was the stake. Soon did his penetrating
mind discern and seize the only course continuing to us all the
blessings enjoyed. He issued his proclamation of neutrality.
This index to his whole subsequent conduct was sanctioned by
the approbation of both houses of Congress, and by the approv¬
ing voice of the people.

To this sublime policy he invariably adhered, unmoved by for
eign intrusion — unshaken by domestic turbulence.

“ Justum et tenacem propositi virum,

Non civium ardor prava jubentium,

Non vultus instantis tyranni
Mente quatit solida.”

Maintaining his pacific system at the expense of no duty,
America, faithful to herself and unstained in her honor, contin¬
ued to enjoy the delights of peace, while afflicted Europe mourns
in every quarter under the accumulated miseries of an unexam¬
pled war — miseries in which our happy country must have
shared had not our pre-eminent Washington been as firm in
council as he was brave in the field..

Pursuing steadfastly his course, he held safe the public happi¬
ness, preventing foreign war and quelling internal disorder, till
the revolving period of a third election approached, when he
executed his interrupted, but inextinguishable, desire of returning
to the humble walks of private life.

The promulgation of his fixed resolution stopped the anxious

622

APPENDIX.

wishes of an affectionate people from adding a third unanimous
testimonial of their unabated confidence in the man so long en¬
throned in their hearts. When, before, was affection like this
exhibited on earth ? Turn over the records of Greece — review
the annals of mighty Rome — examine the volumes of modern
Europe — you search in vain. America and her Washington
only affords the dignified exemplification.

The illustrious personage, called by the national voice in suc¬
cession to the arduous office of guiding a free people, had no dif¬
ficulties to encounter. The amicable effort of settling our diffi¬
culties with France, begun by Washington and pursued by his
successor in virtue as in station, proving abortive, America took
measures of self-defence. No sooner was the public mind roused
by a prospect of danger than every eye was turned to the friend
of all, though secluded from public view and gray in public ser¬
vice. The virtuous veteran, following his plough,* received the un¬
expected summons with mingled emotions of indignation at the
unmerited ill-treatment of his country, and of a determination
once more to risk his all in her defence.

The annunciation of these feelings in his affecting letter to
the president, accepting the command of the army, concludes
his official conduct.

First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his coun¬
trymen, he was second to none in the humble and endearing scenes
of private life ; uniform, dignified, and commanding, his example
was as edifying to all around him as were the effects of that
example lasting.

To his equals he was condescending ; to his inferiors, kind ; and
to the dear object of his affections, exemplarily tender ; correct
throughout, vice shuddered in his presence, and virtue always
felt his fostering hand ; the purity of his private character gave
effulgence to his public virtues.

His last scene comported with the whole tenor of his life.
Although in extreme pain, not a sigh, not a groan escaped him ;

* General Washington, though opulent, gave much of his time and attention to
practical agriculture.

LEE’S FUNERAL ORATION ON WASHINGTON.

623

and with undisturbed serenity he closed his well-spent life. Such
was the man America has lost — such was the man for whom our
nation mourns.

Methinks I see his august image, and hear falling from his
venerable lips these deep-sinking words : —

“ Cease, sons of America, lamenting our separation. Go on
and confirm, by your wisdom, the fruits of our joint councils,
joint efforts, and common dangers ; reverence religion ; diffuse
knowledge throughout your lands ; patronize the arts and sci¬
ences ; let liberty and order be inseparable companions. Con¬
trol party spirit, the bane of free government; observe good
faith to, and cultivate peace with, all nations ; shut up every
avenue to foreign influence ; contract rather than extend national
connections ; rely on yourselves only ; be Americans in thought,
word, and deed. Thus will you give immortality to that union
which was the constant object of my terrestrial labors ; thus will
you preserve undisturbed, to the latest posterity, the felicity of
a people to me most dear ; and thus will you supply (if my hap¬
piness is now ought to you) the only vacancy in the round of
pure bliss high Heaven bestows.’’

624

APPENDIX.

NOTE VII-Page 516.

ORIGINAL PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

As Mr. Custis, in his chapter on the Portraits of Washington ,
has omitted several originals, it is proposed, in as brief space as
possible in the following article, to notice all that are well
authenticated, and in the order in which they were painted.

I. Charles Willson Peale painted the first portrait of Wash¬
ington, in May, 1772. It was done at Mount Yernon; and, at
the same time, he painted portraits in miniature of all the rest
of the family. The original study of Washington was made of
small size. The finished picture, full size, now at Arlington
House, is a copy of it. It is a three-quarter length, and repre¬
sents Washington in the costume of a Virginia colonel. The
study was afterward arranged in the continental costume, and
is now in possession of Charles S. Ogden, Esq. of Philadelphia.

II. Peale painted a half-length portrait of General and Mrs.
Washington, in the summer of 1776, for John Hancock; also a
miniature of Mrs. Washington.

III. In December, 1777, Peale completed a miniature of the
general for Mrs. Washington. It was begun at the close of
October. While sitting for it, in a farm-house near Skippack
Creek, in Pennsylvania, the general (who occupied the side of a
bed, and the artist the only chair in the room) received des¬
patches, advising him of the capture of Burgoyne. He glanced
at them, and then remained, apparently unconcerned, until the
sitting was finished. That miniature is published in Irving’s
Life of Washington, under the erroneous impression that it is

ORIGINAL PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

625

a portrait of Washington at the age of twenty-five years. Of
this picture, Peale made several copies.

IY. Peale painted a whole-length miniature of Washington,
in 1778, for Lafayette; also,

Y. A whole length, full size, for the state of Maryland;
also,

YI. A whole length, full size for the state of Pennsylvania.
A copy of the one painted for Maryland, is in the patent-office
at Washington city.

YII. In 1782, Peale painted a full-size head of Washington,
and,

YIII. At Pocky Hill, near Princeton, in New Jersey, in the
autumn of 1788, he painted a full length for the College of New
Jersey, to occupy a frame that had contained a portrait of George
the Second. The picture of the king was destroyed by an Amer¬
ican cannon-ball that passed through one of the college buildings
in which the portrait hung, during the battle of Princeton, in
1777. That portrait of Washington yet occupies the frame
that surrounded the king’s portrait. It is in Nassau Hall at
Princeton.

IX. Joseph Wright, a young painter, made a half-length por¬
trait of Washington at Pocky Hill, in the autumn of 1783. He
carried a letter of introduction to the commander-in-chief, from
Doctor Franklin. That portrait is in the possession of the
Powell family, near Philadelphia. It was presented to Mrs.
Elizabeth Powell, by General Washington, she being his par¬
ticular friend. Wright also painted,

X. A portrait of Washington for the Count de Solms. It
was finished in 1784.

XI. William Dunlap also painted a portrait of Washington in
the autumn of 1788, at Pocky Hill. He had only one sitting.
It was a failure. That picture is in the possession of Doctor
Ellis, of New York city.

XII. Robert Edge Pine, an English artist, painted Washing¬
ton at Mount Yernon, in 1785. That picture is in the possession

of J. Carson Brevoort, Esq., of Bedford, Long Island.

626

APPENDIX.

XIII. In the autumn of the same year, Houdon, a celebrated
portrait sculptor, from France, modelled a bust of Washington
in clay, at Mount Vernon, and afterward executed a full-length
statue of him, for the state capitol, at Richmond, Virginia, by
order of the legislature of that commonwealth.

XIV. In 1T86, Peale painted a head of Washington, from life,
for his own gallery. His brother, James, copied it on a larger
canvass, and added the figure in military costume, and an atten¬
dant and horse in the background. It is in the possession of
James Lennox, Esq., of New York city.

XV. On the first of October, 1789, Washington gave John
Ramage, an Irish artist, a sitting of two hours. Ramage made
a portrait of him in miniature for Mrs. Washington.

XVI. Three days afterward, he gave one sitting to the Mar¬
chioness de Brienne, sister of the Count de Moustier, the French
minister, to complete a miniature profile of him, “ which,” he says,
in his diary, “ she had begun from memory, and had made exceed¬
ingly like the original.” This was afterward engraved in Paris.
She also painted a miniature profile of Washington and Lafayette,
together, in medallion form, on copper, and presented the picture
to Washington. It is now at Arlington House.

XVII. On the third of November, 1789, while on his eastern
tour, Washington sat two hours to Mr. Gulligher, a Boston
painter, who had a commission from Mr. Samuel Breck, of that
city. Washington was then at Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Gulligher had followed him, and first made a sketch of him by
stealth, while the general was iri the chapel of Mr. Buckminster.
He then obtained a sitting, and destroyed his stolen sketch.
That portrait is in the possession of Edward Belknap, Esq., of
New York.

XVIII. On the twenty first of December, 1789, Washington
sat three hours to Edward Savage, an English painter, who had
been commissioned to execute a portrait of him, for Harvard
college, at Cambridge, in Massachusetts. Savage was then a res¬
ident of New York. On the twenty-eighth, Washington recorded
in his diary, “ Sat all the forenoon for Mr. Savage, who was

ORIGINAL PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

627

taking my portrait.” On the sixth of January, he gave him the
last sitting. That portrait is now at Harvard.

XIX. In February, 1790, Colonel John Trumbull painted
Washington’s portrait. His object was to make an equestrian
picture. He also was preparing to paint his historical pictures
of the battles of Trenton and Princeton, in which Washington
was engaged. Washington rode out with Trumbull once or
twice, that the painter might catch his appearance on horseback.
Trumbull, who was near-sighted, always painted his studies small.
In that way he portrayed Washington on this occasion, and after¬
ward painted the full length, standing by a horse, which is now
in the governor’s room, in the City Hall, New York. In 1792,
Trumbull painted several full lengths of Washington. For his
first and second pictures only did he procure a sitting. All the
others were copies.

XX. Early in 1791, Archibald Robertson, a Scotchman,
painted Washington and his wife, in miniature, and then painted
a larger portrait for the Earl of Buchan, Robertson having
been commissioned by the earl to procure one for his collection
at Dryburgh Abbey.

XXI. In 1792, Joseph Cerracchi, an Italian sculptor, modelled
a bust of Washington, from life, and repeated it in colossal size.
These he took to Europe, and executed in marble. One, of the
colossal size, was brought to this country by Richard W. Meade,
of Philadelphia. Congress purchased it for four thousand dol¬
lars. It was destroyed when the Congress library was burnt, in
December, 1851. A copy of it is in the gallery of the Pennsyl¬
vania Academy of Fine Arts ; another is in the private gallery of
Gouveneur Kemble, Esq., of Cold Spring, New York.

XXII. In 1795, Washington sat to Adolph Ulric Wirtmuller,
a Swede, and native of Stockholm. It is believed that he had
only one sitting ; and as a likeness, the picture is considered, in
many respects, a failure. Washington is represented with a lace-
frilled shirt bosom, an article he never wore. His ruffies were
always fine, but plain. The picture it is believed, was purchased
by Washington, and presented by him to the late Mr. Cazenove,

628

APPENDIX.

who took it to Switzerland. It is now in possession of Charles
Augustus Davis, Esq., of New York city. An engraving of it
appears in the first volume of Irving’s Life of Washington.

XXIII. In September, 1T95, Rembrandt Peal e, son of Charles
Willson Peale, obtained from Washington three sittings, of three
hours each, and completed a study, from which, in connection
with a portrait of his father, and Houdon’s bust, he painted a
portrait which was pronounced by the relatives and intimate
friends of Washington, the best likeness of the first president
that was ever painted. Congress purchased it for two thousand
dollars, and it now occupies a place over the vice-president’s
chair, in the senate chamber at Washington city. Mr. Peale
(who is yet [1859] living at the age of nearly eighty-two years)
was then very young, and his father, to keep him in countenance,
painted a portrait of the president at the same time.

XXIY. That portrait, by the elder Peale, is now in the Bryan
Gallery, New York city.

XXY. At the same time, James Peale, a brother of Charles
Willson Peale, painted a miniature of him, and

XXYI. Another member of the family, made a pencil sketch
of the president, in profile.

XXYII. Washington sat to Gilbert Stuart, the eminent por¬
trait painter, on the same days when he sat to Rembrandt Peale.
Stuart was not well satisfied with his own performance. He made
five copies, and finally sold the original to Winstanley, an English
landscape painter, for two hundred dollars. Winstanley took it
to England. It was there bought by Mr. John Yaughan, who
brought it to Philadelphia, and it is now in possession of Joseph
Harrison, Esq., of that city.

XXYIII. Stuart then procured other sittings, that he might
paint a portrait for Mrs. Washington. The head only was
finished in the winter of 1795-’96, and so the picture yet re¬
mains. It belongs to the Boston Athenaeum, and is the so-called
standard head of Washington when president.

XXIX. Stuart’s full-length portrait of Washington, painted
for the Marquis of Lansdowne, in the spring of 1796, can hardly

ORIGINAL PORTRAITS OF WASHINGTON.

629

be classed among originals, for Washington gave him only one
sitting. The head was copied from his second picture ; and a
small man named W. R. Smith, with whom Stuart boarded in
Philadelphia, stood for the figure. The extended hand of Wash¬
ington, was painted from a wax cast of Stuart’s own hand, which
was much smaller than Washington’s.

XXX. The last sitting Washington ever gave to a painter,
was in 1796, when James Sharpless, an English artist, then in
Philadelphia, made an admirable profile likeness of him, in
crayon. Sharpless also painted a profile, in crayon, of Mrs.
Washington, of these he made several copies. His wife also
copied that of Washington, in water-color. The originals are at
Arlington House. They have been pronounced by those of the
Washington family competent to judge, admirable likenesses.
Engravings from them are published in a work by the writer,
entitled Mount Vernon and its Associations.

ANALYTICAL INDEX,

PAGE

Adams, John, appoints Washington
to the chief command of the

army . 327

inauguration of, as president . 433

Adlum, Major, his account of Small¬
wood’s regiment . 264

Agnew, General James, killed at Ger¬
mantown . 204

Agriculture, Washington on . 595

Alexandria, Washington’s visit to .. 450

martial exhibition at . 450

Allen, Colonel Ethan, and Rivington 297
Allied armies, Chevalier de Barras

sends vessels for . 240

Allies prepare to attack New York . 230

march for the South . 230

move against the British at York-

town . . . 240

Amoskeag Veterans, visit of, to
Mount Vernon . 62

Anderson, Mrs., nurse of Eleanor

Parke Custis . 39

Andre, Major, theatrical prepara¬
tions of . 368

Anecdote of Annapolis race-course. 499
Bishop, body-servant of Washing¬
ton . 377

Custis, Daniel Parke . 497

Hartley, Colonel . 305

hunting-shirt fellows . 268

Lafayette . 248

Lee, Henry, when at college . 356

Lee, Richard Henry . 331

Mossom, Rev. David . 503

Tarleton, Colonel . 253

Vulcan, a French hound . 388

Washington and his mother’s

blooded horse . 132

Annapolis, old capital of Maryland. 154

anecdote of race-course at . 499

Arlington Spring, annual gatherings

at . . . . . 64

Armies, allied, prepare to attack New

York . 230

leave the Hudson for the South. . . 232
Army, British, at Germantown, ready

to retreat . 207

lay down their arms at Yorktown 247

PAGE

Arnold, Benedict, expedition of,
across the wilderness to Que¬
bec . 267, 309

his invasion of Virginia . 232, 333

Asia, British ship-of-war, at New

York . 342

Asses, presented to Washington by
the king of Spain and by La¬
fayette . 455

Atlee, Samuel Y., Custis’s letter to. 408

Bacon, rebellion of . 13

Ball, Colonel William, ancestor of

Washington’s mother . 129

Balls, birth-night, and the theatre. . . 364

Bank of North America . 350

Bard, Doctor, attends President

Washington . 398

Barfleur, battle of, with the Ville de

Paris . 238

Hood, Sir Samuel, commander of

the . 238

Barras, Chevalier de, arrival of, in

the Chesapeake . 239

sends vessels for the allied armies 240

Barren Hill, affair at . 260

Allen McLane, at . 260

retreat of Life-Guard from . 261

Barton, Colonel William, in debtors’

prison . 329

Barter, Philip, agreement of, with
Washington to abstain from li¬
quor . 445

Battle of the Brandywine . . . . . 170

Eutaw Springs . 359

Germantown . 193

King’s Mountain . 272

Long Island . 265, 344

Monmouth . 211

Princeton . 179

Battles of Saratoga and German¬
town, effects of . 217

Bauman, Major . 401

Baylor, Lieutenant-Colonel, massa¬
cre of corps of . 259

seeks an interest in a privateer. . . 545
Billy, Washington’s huntsman and

favorite servant . 157

in danger at Monmouth . 224

632

INDEX.

PAGE

Billy, a diplomat . 379

Biographical sketch of Cadwalader,

Carroll, Bight Rev. John . 173

Craik, Dr. James . 474

De Grasse . 233

Gallatin, Albert . 351

Greene, General . 323

Griffith, Rev. David . 291

Hartley, Colonel Thomas . 307

Haslet, Colonel . 186

Humphreys, Colonel . 373

Izard, Ralph . 485

Knapp, Uzal . 262

Lamb, Colonel John . 242

Lee, Henry . 356

Mercer, General . 183

Mifflin, Thomas . 403

Molly, Captain . . 225

Morgan, Daniel . 308

Nash, General . 204

Nelson, Governor . 339

Peale, Charles Willson . 518

Pulaski, Count Casimir . 195

Putnam, Israel . 282

Rivington, James . 293

Rush, Dr. Benjamin . 186

Rush, Hon. Richard . 184

Scott, General Charles . 414

Smith, Samuel Stanhope . 77

Stockton, Richard . 177

Stuart, Gilbert Charles . 520

Tarleton, Colonel . 252

Thomson, Charles . 382

Trumbull, Governor . 281

Trumbull, John, the painter . 285

Trumbull, Jonathan . 174

Washington, Bushrod . 470

Washington, William . 354

White, Right Rev. William . 173

Williams, Otho Holland . 355

Bird, Lieutenant, killed at German¬
town . 204

Birth of George Washington Parke

Custis . 33

Birth-night balls and the theatre _ 364

Birth-night ball, last one attended by

Washington . 366

Birth-night ode . 365

Bishop, Washington’s oldest body-

servant . 158

too old for service in war. . . 161

his character . 161

in the battle of the Mononga-

hela . 374

commended to Washington . 375

at Mount Vernon and in the Rev¬
olution . 376

anecdote of . 377

Blenheim, news of the battle of, car¬
ried to Queen Anne by Colonel
Parke . 23

PAGE

Blooded horse belonging to Wash¬
ington’s mother, anecdote re¬
specting . 132

Blueskin, Washington’s hunting

horse . 387

Boquet, Colonel . 267

Boston, siege of . 280

Botetourt, governor of Virginia. 154, 396

Botta, Charles, his estimate of Wash¬
ington’s achievements . 190

Braddock, General, at the battle of

the Monongahela . 374

commends Bishop to Washington . 375

death of . . . 376

Brandywine, battle of . 170

Breck, Samuel, letter of, concerning

a dinner-party in Boston . 365

Brienne, Madame de, profiles of

Washington and Lafayette by . 517
Brown, Doctor, called to see Wash¬
ington . 475

Burnaby, Rev. Andrew, account of

his travels in Virginia . 166

Burr, Colonel Aaron . 345

Busts of Washington and Hamilton 525

Byrd, Colonel William . 15

letters of . 26-33

son of, Washington’s rival in
horses . 396

Cabal, Conway’s . 277

Cadwalader, General John . 212

Calvert, Eleanor, wife of John Parke

Custis . 33

Calvert family, Hope Park the resi¬
dence of . 114

Cambridge, headquarters at . 273

Campbell, Major, British officer at

Yorktown . 241

Camp, Mrs. Washington in . 138

Cannon, French, in the arsenal at

Richmond . 239

Canova, statue of Washington by. . 525
Carrington, Mrs., letter of, respect¬
ing the domestic life of Mrs.

Washington . 510

Carroll, Right Rev. John, D.D . 173

Cary, one of Washington’s ser¬
vants, death of . 451

Cerracchi, busts of Washington and

Hamilton, by . 525

Chamberlayne, Colonel, introduces

Washington to Mrs. Custis - 499

Charleston, siege and surrender of. . 334
Chesapeake, arrival of the Cheva¬
lier de Barras in the . 239

Chew’s house at Germantown . 198

Church, Washington a communicant

of the Protestant Episcopal. ... 173

Cincinnati, society of the . 409

on national anniversaries . 429

City Tavern, at Philadelphia . 404

INDEX.

633

PAGE

Clarke, the maker of Washington’s

coach . 424

Clarke, Washington’s watch-maker,

in Philadelphia . 454

Clinton, General Sir Henry, suc¬
cessor of General Howe . 211

orders of, to Cornwallis . 231

Coachmen of Washington, John Fa¬
gan and John Kruse . 424, 426

Cobb, Colonel, at Yorktown . 242

Cochran, Colonel, British officer at

Yorktown . 244

daring exploits of, and death . 245

Colfax, William, commandant of

Washington’s Life-Guard . 259

College (Columbia), King’s . 340

Colors, delivery of British, to Amer¬
icans at Yorktown . 249

Confederation, Articles of . 331

Congress, Continental, first one in

1774 . 331

anecdote of B. H. Lee in connec¬
tion with . 331

Congress, Federal, its first session in
New York, the seat of govern¬
ment . 287

thanks of, to Washington and his
soldiers for conduct at Mon¬
mouth . 227

proceedings of, in relation to Wash¬
ington’s death . 478

Constitution, federal, formation of. . 349
Convention of states proposed, to

amend Articles of Confederation 348

adopt a federal constitution . 349

Conway’s cabal . . . 277

Cook, Hercules, Washington’s chief 422

Cornwallis, Earl . 189

at Williamsburg, Jamestown,

and Yorktown . 232

earth-retreat of, at Yorktown .... 244
contemplates flight from York¬
town . 245

surrender of, at Yorktown . 247

with Washington at Yorktown. . . 249
entertained at dinner by Washing¬
ton . 250

in Virginia . 334

in chief command in the Carolinas 334
Correspondence between Washing¬
ton and George Washington

Parke Custis . 73

Correspondence between Washing¬
ton and John Parke Custis. 533-570
Cotton-plant, views of Alexander

Hamilton respecting the . 341

Councils of war, held at Valley
Forge and at Hopewell, New

Jersey . 212

Cowpens, Morgan at the . 320

Craik, Dr. James, attends General
Nash at Germantown . 203

PAGE

Craik, Dr. James, refers to Indian

prophecy, at Monmouth . 223

accompanied Washington to the

Ohio in 1770 . 300

effect of the Indian prophecy on

the mind of . 305

“Crisis,” by Thomas Paine . 220

Cropper, Colonel, anecdote of . 170

Cully, his recollections of Washing¬
ton’s marriage . 501

Custis, Daniel Parke, and Evelyn

Byrd . 18

loves Martha Dandridge . 19

marriage of . 19

death of . 20,496

anecdote of . 497

children of . 496

Custis, Eleanor Parke, and George

Washington Parke . 394

Custis, Fanny Parke, marriage of. . 18

Custis, George Washington Parke,

birth of . 33

adopted by Washington . 38

indulged by his grandmother . 38

appointed Cornet . 51

made aid-de-camp to General

Pinckney . 51

residence of, at Mount Vernon

after Washington’s death . 52

marriage of . 52

remembrance of, in Washington’s

will . 52

children of . 56

employment of leisure hours of. . . 58

drama written by . 59

letters to his wife . 58-60

his talent for oratory . 60

oration of, on the occasion of the
death of General Lingan, . . .61, 571
oration of, on the Eussian victo¬
ries . 61, 585

letter to, from the Eussian minis¬
ter . 61

speech of, at Washington’s tomb,
before the Amoskeag Veterans. 64
interest of, in agricultural affairs. 66

a volunteer in 1812 . 66

with Lafayette in 1824, ’25 . 66

presents a ring to Lafayette at

Washington’s tomb . 67, 591

his “Conversations with Lafayette ” 68

painting by. . 68

death and funeral of . 69

notice of in the National Intelli¬
gencer . 71

personal appearance of . 72

letter of, respecting Mrs. Washing¬
ton . 408

Custis, Major-General John, col¬
lector of customs . 18

his will . 14

his children . 14

634

INDEX.

PAGE

Custis, Major-General John, mar¬
riage of, to Fanny Parke . 15

love-letter of, to Fanny Parke - 16

inscription on the tomb of . 17

Custis, John Parke, marriage of, to

Eleanor Calvert . 33, 37

at college in New York . 37

children of . 37

sickens at Yorktown, in camp. 254, 504

dies at Eltham . 38, 255, 505

Custis, Mrs., character of, delineated 53

death of . 56

Custis, Mrs. Martha, marriage of,

with Washington . 21

death of the daughter of . 21

Dandridge, Miss Martha . 19

marriage of, to Daniel Parke Cus¬
tis . 20, 496

children of . 20

“Darby's Return ,” performed before

Washington . 367

Davies, Rev. Samuel, his prophetic

allusion to Washington . 304

Davis, Tom, Washington’s huntsman 457

canvass-back ducks shot by . 458

Death of Braddock . 376

Cary, one of Washington’s ser¬
vants, at the age of one hundred

and fourteen years . 451

Cochran, Colonel, at Yorktown. . 245

Custis, Daniel Parke . 20, 496

Custis, George Washington Parke 69

Custis, John Parke, at El¬
tham . 38, 255, 505

Custis, Mrs. G. W. P . 56

Fauntleroy, Captain, at Monmouth 221
Leslie, Captain, son of the earl of

Levin . 187

Mercer, General Hugh . 183

Monckton, Colonel . 221

Nash, General . 203

Parke, Colonel Daniel . 25

Washington, Lear’s narration of . 472
Henry Lee’s oration on 360, 479, 615
proceedings of Congress in rela¬
tion to . 479

Death -room, Washington’s, group in 472
Debtors’ prison, Robert Morris in. . 327

Washington visits Morris in . 327

Colonel William Barton in . 329

De Chastellux, Marquis, Mount Ver¬
non spoken of, in Travels of, in

America . 167

with Washington in Virginia .... 235
Declaration of Independence, notice

of some signers of . 395

Deer-park at Mount Vernon . 389

De Grasse, Count, expected in Ches¬
apeake bay . 231

sketch of . 23.V

fleet of, in Chesapeake bay . 233

PAGE

De Grasse, Count, Washington’s

reception of . 236

Despatch, important, to Governor

Trumbull . . 283

D’Estaing, Count, commands a
French fleet on the American

coast . 213

Dick, Doctor, called to see Washing¬
ton . 475

Domestic life of Washington, from

1759 to 1775 . 464

of Mrs. Washington . 510

Drama written by John Parke Cus¬
tis . 59

Drawing-rooms of Mrs. Washing¬
ton . 395, 408

Dunlap, William, quoted from . 367

Dunmore, Lord, marauding expedi¬
tions of . 333

Dutchmen as soldiers, Morgan’s

opinion of . 309

Echard, Mrs. Susan R'., description
of the scene at Washington’s

valedictory . 434

Eden, Sir Robert, governor of Mary¬
land . 154

Elk, Head of, combined armies at. . 239
Eltham, death of John Parke Custis

at . 38, 255, 505

Emigrants, distinguished French,
sought the protection of the

president . 448

Erskine, Lord, letter of, to Washing¬
ton . 528

Essays, political, by churchmen, an¬
swered by Hamilton . 341

Ethan Allen and Rivington . 297

Eutaw Springs, battle at . 359

Everett, Edward, his remarks on the
removal of Washington’s re¬
mains . 442

Eyes of Washington, color of the. . 527

Facsimile of surveys by Washing¬
ton . * . 445

Fagan, John, Washington’s coach¬
man . 424

Father Jack, Washington’s fisher¬
man . 456

Fauntleroy, Captain, death of, at

Monmouth . 221

Federal Congress, notice of . . . .287, 395
Federal constitution, adoption of . . . 349

“ Federalist ,” writers of the . 349

Ferguson, Major Patrick, killed at

King’s mountain . 272

Fifer-boy, informs Washington of

the retreat of Lee . 217

Fish, Major, at Yorktown . 241

Fish, Nicholas, his account of a din¬
ner in Paris . 274

INDEX.

635

PAGE

Fitzgerald, Colonel, his account of
Washington in the field at

Princeton . 190

on the battle-field at Princeton. . . 192

at Alexandria . 452

Forts Mercer and Mifflin . 194

“ Forty-five,” rebellion of . 270

“ Forty -twa,” Highland regiment,

called the . 270

Fox, kind of, hunted in Virginia.. . 387

the famous black . 388

the red . 388

France, expected war with..* . 447

naval war with . 447

Frederick the Great, his opinion of

Washington’s exploits . 190

French and Indian war, origin of.. . 158
French fleet and army come to

America . 229

Frestel, M., young Lafayette’s tu¬
tor, at Mount Vernon . 448

Fraunces, Samuel, Washington’s

steward . . . 411

keeps tavern in New York . 420

extravagance of, rebuked by Wash¬
ington . 421

Gallatin, Albert, his eulogy of Ham¬
ilton . 351

biographical sketch of . 351

Gates, General, his praise of Mor¬
gan’s corps . 268

Germantown, battle of . 193

arrangement of attack upon . 197

Americans defeated at . 206

effect of battle of. . 206

Washington and soldiers com¬
mended by Congress for con¬
duct at . 206

Gibbs, Caleb, commandant of Life-

Guard . 256

Washington’s letters to . 258

Giles, Tommy . 413

Gordon, Doctor, relates what Wash¬
ington said of bloody foot-prints

of soldiers . 210

Graves, Admiral, off the Capes of

Virginia . 238

Gray, General, at the battle of Ger¬
mantown . 203

Great Meadows, conflict at . 159

Greene, General, at Germantown.. . 201

biographical sketch of . 323

Washington’s favorite officer . 324

Peale’s picture of, at Valley

Forge . • . 518

Greene, Rev. Ashbel, his recollec¬
tions of Washington . 434

Griffith, Rev. David, warning of,

given to Washington . 290

biographical sketch of . 291

Griswold, Fort, massacre at . 242

PAGE

Grymes, Lieutenant, on the field at

Germantown . 196

Gurley, R. R., letter of, to Mrs. Lee
concerning Mr. Custis . 10

“ Hail Columbia ” . 368

its origin . 369

Hale, Sir Matthew, writings of, at

Mount Vernon . 171

Hamilton, Alexander, at German¬
town . 200

at the battle of Monmouth _ _ _ 219

at Yorktown . 240

birthplace of . . . . 340

his arrival in New York . 340

views of, respecting the cotton-

plant . 341

political essays by churchmen an¬
swered by . 341

thought of returning to the West

Indies . 342

persuaded to stay in. New York. . 342

joins a volunteer corps. . . 342

letter of, to Washington, before

the battle of Long Island . 343

company of artillery of, join the

continental army . 344

at the passage of the Raritan _ 344

interview of, with Washington. . . 344

with Washington . 345

dependence of Washington upon. 346
retirement of, from Washington’s

family . 346

at the siege of Yorktown. . . . 240, 347

retires from the army . 348

proposes a convention of the states
to amend the Articles of Con¬
federation . 348

efforts of, in favor of the federal

constitution . 349

recommended for secretary of the

treasury . 349

his appointment . 350

eulogy of, by Gallatin . 351

his resignation of the office of sec¬
retary of the treasury . 352

his prediction respecting the con¬
stitution . 352

Hampton, Washington and other

officers at . 235

Hands of Washington very large 523, 527

Hartley, Colonel, anecdote of . 305

notice of . 307

Haslet, Colonel, death of . 186

sketch of . 186

Hazlitt, sketch of Washington from

the pen of . 430

Head of Elk, combined armies

at . 239

Headquarters of Washington, notice

of remains of . 273

at Cambridge and Morristown. . . 273

636

INDEX.

Headquarters of Washington at
Newburgh, West Point, and

New Windsor .

joy at, on seeing supplies coming

from Connecticut .

several of the buildings yet stand¬
ing . . .

Hercules, Washington’s chief cook.

Hessians at Yorktown . . .

afraid of Morgan’s riflemen .

how they came to be in America. .

Holidays, national, salutes on .

Home and household of Washington
Hood, Sir Samuel, commander of

the Barfleur .

Hope Park, residence of the Calvert

family .

Horses, Washington’s .

Houdon, his half bust of Washington

Hounds, Washington’s .

present of, to Washington from

Lafayette .

Howe, Sir William, army of, quar¬
tered at Germantown .

Humphreys, Colonel, biographical

sketch of .

at Mount Vernon .

one of Washington’s secretaries.. .

recites his poetry at night .

Hunt at Mount Vernon .

Hunting-shirt, the .

Custis’s remarks on .

Washington’s advocacy of it .

“ Hunting-shirt fellows,” anecdote of
Huntsman, Tom Davis, Washing¬
ton’s .

Inauguration of President Adams . .
Independent Blues of Alexandria,

reviewed by Washington .

Indian prophecy . 223,

related by Dr. Craik .

Indian war in the West .

Intelligencer, National, Custis’s

“Recollections” printed in .

Izard, Ralph, resemblance of, to

Washington .

notice of .

Jackson, Major, Washington’s aid-

de-camp . . . .

Jackson , one of Washington’s

chargers .

Jefferson, Thomas, his opinion of

Washington .

Jersey prison-ship, General Lingan
among the sufferers in the .

Kanawha, Washington’s visit to the,

in 1770 .

King’s Mountain, battle of .

Major Patrick Ferguson killed at.

PAGE

King of Spain, asses presented to

Washington by . 455

Knapp, Uzal, last survivor of Wash¬
ington’s Life-Guard . 262

sketch of . 262

Knowlton, Colonel, his military corps 256
Knox, General, at Germantown .... 200
opposed to leaving Chew’s house

in the rear . 200

proposes the society of the Cincin¬
nati . ." . 409

Kruse, John, Washington’s coach¬
man . 425

Lady Washington’s dragoons, Bay¬
lor’s corps . 259

Lafayette, Marquis de, visit of, to

the United States . 67

at the tomb of Washington. ... 67, 591
visit of, to Washington’s mother . 144

at Mount Vernon . 144

in council of war, near Monmouth 212

in Virginia . 232, 334

refuses the honor of capturing

Cornwallis . 234

influence of, with De Grasse . 237

wife of . 237

anecdote of . 248

at Barren Hill . 260

imprisonment and exile of . 449

asses presented to Washington

by . 455

astonishment of, at the size of his

Virginia recruits . 485

urged Trumbull to paint an eques¬
trian portrait of Washington. . . 529

ring presented to, by Custis . 591

Lafayette, George Washington, let¬
ter of, to Mr. Custis . 67

residence of, at Mount Vernon. 96, 448
his departure from the United

States . 449

Lamb, Colonel John, sketch of. ... . 242
Lansdowne, Marquis of, portrait of

Washington painted for . . .522, 624
Land speculation, career of Robert

Morris and others in . 326

Last hours of Washington . 472

Lauk, Mr., last survivor of Morgan’s

rifle corps . 309

Laurens, Colonel John, at the battle

of Germantown . 199

sketch of . 241

at Yorktown . 241, 348

Lear, Tobias . 394

his account of Washington’s recep¬
tion of the news of St. Clair’s

defeat . 418

Washington’s secretary . 472

his narrative of Washington’s

death . 472

Ledyard, Colonel, death of . 578

PAGE

274

285

288

422

248

269

429

400

238

114

385

517

384

386

194

373

394

399

390

264

266

268

457

433

452

, 300

304

416

485

394

425

214

574

300

272

INDEX

637

Lee, General Charles, against pro¬
posed attack on Clinton . 212

his misconduct at the battle of

Monmouth . 219

his interview with Washington at

Monmouth . 293

Lee, Henry, letter of, to voung Cus-

tis . 1 . 57

sketch of . 356

anecdote of, when at college . 356

exploit of, at Paulus’s Hook. .357, 562

legion of, in the South . 358

officers of . 358

exploit of, near Yalley Forge. . . . 358

at Eutaw Springs . 359

retires from the army . 359

commander of troops to put down
the “ Whiskey Insurrection”. . 359

a delegate in Congress . 359

his oration on the occasion of the
death of Washington. .360, 479, 615

misfortunes of . 361

* death of . 361

character of . 361

his impromptu eulogium of Pat¬
rick Henry . 362

his words concerning Washington 362
attachment of, to Washington. . . . 363
Lee, Mrs. Mary Custis, wife of Colo¬
nel R. E. Lee . 56

Lee, Richard Henry, and the Conti¬
nental Congress . 331

Leslie, Captain, son of the earl of

Levin, death of. . 187

Letter to author of “ Recollections ”
concerning an officer killed at

Germantown . . 205

Letters of Byrd, Colonel William. 27-33
Baron von Washington respecting

his family . 126

Custis, Daniel Parke, to his

wife . 58-60

respecting Mrs. Washington. . . 408
Custis, G. W. P., to Gideon Snow 40

to Washington . 73-116

Custis, John Parke and Washing¬
ton . 533-570

Custis, Major-General John, to

Fanny Parke . 16

Earl of Buchan to Mrs. Washing¬
ton . 511

Gurley, R. R., to Mrs. Lee respect¬
ing Mr. G. W. P. Custis . 10

Hamilton to Washington, before

the battle of Long Island . 343

Lafayette, George Washington to

Mr. G. W. P. Custis . 67

Lee, Henry, to young Custis.. . . . 57

Lord Erskine to Washington . 528

M'Henry, James, to G. W. P. Cus¬
tis . 51

Madison to Mrs. G. W. P. Custis. 65, 66

Letters of Parke, Colonel Daniel,

to his daughter . . . 15, 23

Potter, Colonel, respecting speech

of Mr. Custis . 64

Russian minister to G. W. P.

Custis . 61

Snow, Gideon, to G. W. P. Cus¬
tis ... . . 39

Waller, Benjamin, to Mrs. Martha

Custis . 498

Washington to Benedict Calvert . . 34

Nelly Custis . 41

Lawrence Lewis. .... _ 45, 46, 49

G. W. P. Custis . 73-116

Mr. M‘Dowell, president of col¬
lege at Annapolis . 98

deceptive . 233

Caleb Gibbs . 258

respecting a dancing assembly

at Alexandria . 366

Mr. Rumney . 372

copied by Rawlins, not to be

found . 438

John Parke Custis . 533-570

Washington, Mrs., respecting the

remains of her husband . 441

to J. P. Custis and his wife. . . . 547
Levees, kind of persons who at¬
tended the . 409

Lewis, Lawrence, Washington’s let¬
ters to . 45,46,49

Washington’s secretary . 394

marriage of, to Nelly Custis, at

Mount Vernon . 450

Lewis, Mrs. Eleanor Parke Custis. . 39

her beauty and character . 40

Lexington, news of battle of . 282

events connected with battle of. . . 282

Life at Mount Vernon . 370

Life-Guard, Washington’s . 256

how organized . 256

historical sketch of . 257

uniform of. . 257

reorganization of . 258

William Colfax, commandant of. 259

at Monmouth . 261

in the retreat from Barren Hill. . . 261
Uzal Knapp, last survivor of ... . 262

Life-pictures, outline . 462

Lingan, General James M., Custis’s

oration on the death of . 571

Liquor, agreement of Philip Barter
with Washington, to abstain

from . 445

Long, Captain Gabriel, at Mon¬
mouth . . . . 262

captain in Morgan’s regiment. ... 311
Long Island, reference to battle of . 247

battle of . 265, 344

prisoners at . 266

Louis Philippe, visit of, at Mount
Vernon... . 418

638

INDEX.

PAGE

M‘Comb, Washington occupies the

house of . 400

M ‘Dowell, Mr., president of college
at Annapolis, Washington’s let¬
ter to . 98

MTingal, quotation from . 227

M'Henry, James, letter of, to G. W.

P. Custis . 51

M ‘Ivors, Mrs., accident to, at Mrs.

Washington’s reception . 396

M'Lane, Allen, at Barren Hill . 260

MTherson Blues, a guard of honor 479

only survivors of . 479

Madison, President, letters of, to Mr.

G. W. P. Custis . 65, 66

Magnolia . 426

Marbois, M., dinner given by, to

Americans in Paris . 274

Marquees, Washington’s description

of . 279

where made, and by whom . 280

Marriage, Cully’s recollections of

Washington’s . 501

Custis, Fanny Parke . 18

Custis, John Parke, to Eleanor

Calvert . 33, 37

Custis, Major-General John, to

Fanny Parke . 16

Custis, Mrs. Martha, with Wash¬
ington . 21, 502

Dandridge, Miss Martha, to Dan¬
iel Parke Custis . 20, 496

Maryland, Annapolis, the old capital

of . 154

Massacre of corps of Lieutenant-

Colonel Baylor . 259

Mathews, Colonel, at Germantown . 202

Matson’s Ford . 261

Mawhood, Colonel, regiment of, at

Princeton . 187

in battle at Princeton . 191

Memoirs, Washington declines af¬
fording materials for his . 437

Memoir of George Washington

Parke Custis . 172

Mercer, General Hugh, death of. . . . 180
monument to, ordered by Con¬
gress . 182

son of, educated by the public. ... 182

particulars of death of . 184

monument in memory of . 184

funeral ceremonies of . 185

Merchantmen, armed, salutes of, be¬
fore Mount Vernon . 447

Mifflin, Thomas, on recruiting ser¬
vice . 332

biographical sketch of. . 403

Militia, Washington’s opinion of. 187, 53%
Minuet, danced by Washington. . . . 366

Molly, Captain, at Monmouth . 224

sketch of . 225

exploits of . 286

PAGE

Monckton, Colonel, death of, at Mon¬
mouth . 221

Monmouth courthouse, American

army approach to . . . 211

Monmouth, battle of . 211

Monmouth, events on the field of . . 218
retreat of Americans at, checked. 221

retreat of British from . 226

Congress thanks Washington and

soldiers for conduct at . 227

night-scene in the commander-in¬
chiefs tent, near . 289

Monongahela, Braddock at the bat¬
tle of the . 374

Moore’s house, at Yorktown, place
where capitulation was agreed

upon . 253

Moreau, John B., his collection of

Washington’s portraits . 480

Morgan, Daniel . 308

his corps at Monmouth . 262

his laugh at the Life-Guard . 262

corps of, with Arnold at Quebec . .267 *
riflemen of, made prisoners at

Quebec . 267

description of riflemen of . 267

General. Gates’s praise of corps of 268

rifle corps of, how formed . 270

biographical sketch of. . 308

accompanies Arnold across the

wilderness . 309

his opinion of “ Dutchmen ” as sol¬
diers . 309

personal reminiscence of. . 310

disobeys orders . 313

interview of, with Washington. . . 315

anticipating disgrace . 317

Washington’s forgiveness of . 319

congratulated by officers . 319

at the Cowpens . .* . 320

member of Congress . 321

his opinion of Washington . 322

demurs at General Lee’s appoint¬
ment . 359

Morris, Robert . 328

in Washington’s camp at Dobb’s

Ferry . 231

loans money of a Quaker . 294

his financial aid to the colonies . . 325
one of Washington’s best-loved

friends . 325

his services in the cause of his

country . 325

Washington’s favorite guest . 326

his inclination to speculate . 326

in prison, visited by Washington . 327
how treated by his countrymen. . . 328

appearance of, in prison . 328

recommends Hamilton for secre¬
tary of the treasury . 349

establishes Bank of North Amer¬
ica . . 350

INDEX.

639

Morris, Robert, Washington’s wel¬
come guest .

Morristown, camp at, alarmed .

headquarters at . .

location of headquarters at .

Mossom, Rev. David, officiated at

Washington’s marriage .

anecdote of .

Mother of Washington, memoir of .

ancestors of .

character of .

recollections of, by Lawrence

Washington .

residence of, during the war .

her patriotism .

example of .

foreign officers astonished at sim¬
ple manners of .

her fear of lightning .

Washington’s last visit to her. . . .

visited by Lafayette .

personal appearance of .

resemblance of daughter of, to the

general .

grave of, and monument to .

Moulder, Captain, commands artil¬
lery at Princeton .

maker of Washington’s tents ....
Mount Vernon, visit of Amoskeag

Veterans to .

Washington at .

Mount Vernon, origin of the name

of .

spoken of by De Chastellux in his

Travels .

life at .

improvements at . 371,

visit of Louis Philippe at .

visit of a German gentleman at . .

associations of .

mansion of, described .

guests at .

Mules, extraordinary, raised by

Washington .

Munson, Dr. Eneas, his account of

Washington at Yorktown .

Musgrave, Lieutenant- Colonel, at

battle of Germantown .

Mysteries of the Revolution .

Narraganset pony at Mount Ver¬
non. . .

Nash, General, mortally wounded at

Germantown .

death of .

burial-place of .

monument to .

Naval, engagement between English
and French off Capes of Vir¬
ginia .

Neely, Matthew, child of, in Ireland,
named George Washington .

PAGE

Nelson, Mr., Washington’s secretary 394

Nelson, Secretary, house of, at York¬
town, injured . 244

Nelson, Thomas, notice of. . . . 330

signer of the Declaration of Inde¬
pendence . 332

active as a military officer . 333

sacrifices of, for his country . 336

at the siege of Yorktown . 336

obtains money on his own security

for public use . 337

house of . . : . 337

losses of, never made up by the

government . 338

beloved by Washington . 338

his son made Washington’s pri¬
vate secretary . 338

family of, left in poverty . 339

official career of . 339

Nelson, war-horse of Washington at

Yorktown . 249

at Mount Vernon . . 249

Newburgh, headquarters at, de¬
scribed . 274

representation of, in Paris . 274

New Windsor, headquarters at . 274

Nicholas, Colonel John, of the Life-

Guard . 262

Nicholas, Robert C., legal adviser of

Mrs. Custis . 497

Nicholson John, in Walnut street

prison . 328

Norfolk, ravages of British in neigh-

hood of . 334

North Lord, his reception of the

news of Cornwallis’s defeat. . . . 250

Ode, birth-night . 365

Ogle, Governor, Washington pro¬
cured deer from . 389

0‘Hara, General, delivers Cornwal¬
lis’s sword to Lincoln . 248

Old Point Comfort, Washington and

other officers at . 235

Oration of G. W. P. Custis on occa¬
sion of the death of Lingan.. . . 571
in celebration of the Russian vic¬
tories over Napoleon . 585

of General Lee on the death of

Washington . . 615

Original portraits of Washington 516, 624
Outline life-pictures . 462

Paine, Thomas, author of “ The Cri¬
sis” . 220

Paper-money, issues of, by Congress 335

depreciation of . 335

Parke, Colonel Daniel, letters of, to

bearer of news of battle of Blen¬
heim to Queen Anne . . 23

PAGE

430

139

273

275

502

503

125

129

130

131

135

. 137

139

143

141

144

146

147

148

191

280

151

152

167

370

449

448

460

462

503

505

456

279

198

289

458

202

203

204

239

172

640

INDEX.

PAGE

Parke, Colonel Daniel, account of. . 22

governor of Leeward Islands .... 24

death of . . . 25

will of . . 26

Parliament, British, debates in, con¬
cerning cessation of the war. . . 250
Paulus’s Hook, position of and

events at . 357, 562

Washington at . . 402

Peale, Charles Willson, description
of his first portrait of Washing¬
ton . 516

Washington’s full-length portrait

by . 518

biographical sketch of . 518

his account of Washington’s

strength . 519

Peale, James . 524

Peale, Rembrandt, his recollections

of Washington’s valedictory. . . 434

portrait of Washington, by . 524

equestrian portrait of Washington,

by . 524

Piercy, Captain, commands Inde¬
pendent Blues at Alexandria. . 452
Pepper, Mrs., letter of Colonel

Custis to . 18

Personal appearance of Washington 480
Peters, Richard, in Washington’s

camp at Dobbs’s Ferry . 231

Pinckney, Colonel, at Germantown. 200
his opinion of Washington’s judg¬
ment . 360

Poellnitz, Baron de, thrashing ma¬
chine of . 167

Portraits of Washington, Moreau’s

collection of . 480

general resemblance among the . . 480

originals at Arlington House . 516

an equestrian, by Trumbull . 519

by Charles Willson Peale . 516

by Gilbert Charles Stuart . 520

painted for Marquis of Lans-

downe . 522

by Wertmuller . 526

notice of all the original . 624

Potter, Colonel, letter of, to Mr. Los-
sing, concerning Mr. Custis’s

speech . 64

Prescott, one of Washington’s

chargers . 425

Presidency, first year of the . 393

“ President’s March ” . 368

Presidential mansion, visiters at. . . . 414

Pretender, Scotch, notice of . 270

Princeton, battle of . 179

Prison, Walnut street, Morris and

his friends in . 327

Prisoner for Debt, poem, by J. G.

Whittier, extract from . 329

Prisoners, deposition of, taken at

Yorktown . 250

Pag*

Privateering, Washington a specu¬
lator in the profits of . 533, 545

Proctor, Colonel . 412,429

Prophecy, Indian . 300

Dr. Craik refers to, at Mon¬
mouth . 223

Pulaski, Count, at battle of German¬
town . 195

sketch of . 195

Putnam, Israel, hears of the battle of

Lexington . 282

biographical sketch of . 282

Quakers opposed to the Revolution. 295
Quebec, Benedict Arnold’s expedi¬
tion to . 267, 309

Ramsay, Lieutenant - Colonel, at

Monmouth . 219

Rawlins, Albert, employed to copy

Washington’s letters . 437

Recollections and private memoirs
of Washington, author’s pref¬
ace to . 121

Redoubt, British at Yorktown, taken

by storm . 241

Reed, Colonel, at Germantown _ 200

Remains of Washington, remarks of
Edward Everett respecting re¬
moval of . 442

final action of Congress respect¬
ing . 443

Retreat of American army at Mon¬
mouth . 217

from Barren Hill . 261

Revolution, crowning event of . 247

mysteries of the . 289

Rickets’s opinion of Washington as

a horseman . 485

Rivington, James, biographical

sketch of . 293

hated by the whigs . 295

his secret service for Washing¬
ton . 296,299

Freneau’s satire on . 296

Rochambeau, Count, with Washing¬
ton in Virginia . 231, 235

Robert Morris . 323

Rodney, Admiral, in West Indies . . 238

Rogers, Colonel . 413

Ross, Mr., rewarded for finding a

money-borrower . . 498

Rumney, Mr., letter of Washington

to . . . .171, 372

Rush, Dr. Benjamin, attends Captain

Leslie . 186

sketch of . 186

Rush, Richard . 178,418

Russian minister, letter of, to G. W.

P. Custis. . . 61

Russian victories, oration on, by G.

W. P. Custis . 585

INDEX.

641

Sachem, Indian, meets Washington
in the Ohio country and prophe¬
sies . . . 302

St. Clair, General, defeat of. . 416

Washington’s anger on hearing

of defeat of . 417

first interview of, with Washing¬
ton after his defeat . 419

St. Simon, Marquis de, at head of
troops on De Grasse’s fleet. . . . 233
Saratoga, influence in Europe of the

victory at . 208

Scott, General Charles . 413

biographical sketch of . 414

Servant, Billy, Washington’s favor¬
ite . 157,224, 379

Bishop, Thomas, Washington’s

oldest . 158, 161, 374,377

Sharpless, profile likeness of Wash¬
ington and G. W. Lafayette,

by . 517, 525

Sheep-shearing, annual, at Arling¬
ton House . 583

Sherman, Roger . 395

Siege of Boston . 280

Charleston . 334

Sigourney, Mrs., poem of, on the

tomb of Washington’s mother. . 149

Simcoe, Lieutenant-Colonel . 201

Sinclair, Sir John, Washington’s

correspondence with . 446

Sister of Washington (Mrs. Eielding
Lewis), resemblance of, to her

brother . 147

Smallwood, Colonel, regiment of 189, 264

at battle of Long Island . 265

Smith, Lieutenant-Colonel William

S . 373

adventure of, with Bishop . 377

Smith, Samuel Stanhope, president

of college at Princeton . 77

Smith, Stuart’s manikin when
painting the figure of Washing¬
ton . 521

Snow, Gideon, Custis’s letter to ... . 40

letter of, to Custis . 39

Sportsman, Washington as a . 384

Stable, Washington’s, in Philadel¬
phia . 397

Stag, carcass of the Washington. . . 391
Statue of Washington, by Canova . 525
Stephen, General Adam, conduct of,

at Germantown . 196

Steuben, Baron, at Monmouth . 223

in Virginia . 334

Stewart, Colonel, at Monmouth. . . . 219

Stewart, General Walter . 355,404

Stockton, Richard, wife of . 177

biographical sketch of . 177

Strength of arm of Washington.. . . 519
Stuart, Dr. David, husband of Mr.
Custis’s mother . 86

Stuart, Dr. David, Washington’s let¬
ter to, concerning reception days 407
Stuart, Gilbert Charles, portraits of

Washington by . 520, 628

biographical sketch of . 520

Sullivan, General, at Germantown. 199

Surrender of Charleston . 334

Surrender of Cornwallis’s army at
Yorktown . 229, 247

Tarleton, Colonel, slighted at York¬
town . 251

humiliated in the street at York¬
town. . 253

anecdote of . 253

sketch of . 253

Teeth, Washington lost his, in 1789 520

Theatre in New York, Washington’s

attendance at . 367

Theatrical company, old Ameri¬
can . 367,368

The retired president . 433

Thomson, Charles, at MountVernon 382

sketch of . 382

Tilghman, Lieutenant-Colonel, car¬
ries news of capture of Corn¬
wallis to Congress . 246

Tomb of Major-General John Cus¬
tis, inscription on . 17

of Washington, speech of G. W.

P. Custis at . 64, 591

Lafayette at the . ,, . 591

Tomb for Washington, proposed. . . 444

Tory, term of, how derived . 332

Tour, Washington’s, to the eastern

states . 398

Treason of General Lee . 292

Treaty with France proclaimed at

Valley Forge . 278

Trenton, Washington’s reception at 393
Trumbull, Governor, important de¬
spatch to . 283

Trumbull, John, the artist . 285

his equestrian portrait of Wash¬
ington and its faithfulness. .519, 520
Trumbull, Jonathan, admitted to
president’s house on Sunday

evenings . 174

important despatch to, from Wash¬
ington . 283

Welcome supplies from, at camp-
of Washington . 285

Valedictory of President Washing¬
ton, Mrs. Echard’s description of 434
Rembrandt Peale’s recollections

of . 434

Valley Forge, American winter-

quarters there . 208

march of Americans to . 209

headquarters at . 275

sufferings of the American army at 276

642

INDEX.

Valley Forge, how the army at, ob¬
tained supplies . 277

Vandeput, Captain, at New York. . 342
Vaults, old and new, at Mount Ver¬
non . 439

Vergennes, Count de, feelings of, on
hearing of the battle at German¬
town . 208

Vessels, English, burned at York-

town . 240

Ville de Paris . 235

battle of, with British ship Bar-

fleur . 238

Virginia, Benedict Arnold’s invasion

of . 232, 233

Vulcan, a French hound, anecdote of 388

Waller, Benjamin, letter of, to Mrs.

Martha Custis . 498

Walnut-street prison, John Nichol¬
son in . 328

Wansey, visit of, to Washington . . . 408
War-tent, Washington’s, at Arling¬
ton Spring . 65

War-sword, Washington’s . 160

Washington, Baron Von, letter of,

concerning his family . 126

Washington, Bushrod . 470

Washington, Fort, captured by the

British and Hessians . . 344

Washington Lawrence . 152

Washington, George, letter of, to
Benedict Calvert, concerning the

marriage of J. P. Custis . 34

adopts two of the children of J. P.

Custis . 38,255

letter of, to Nelly Custis, concern¬
ing love and coquetry . 41

letter of, to Lawrence Lewis . 45

orders marriage license for Law¬
rence Lewis and Nelly Custis. . 45

appointed commander-in-chief of

the army in 1797 . 46

correspondence of. . . .73, 467, 533, 570

ancestors of . 125

birth-place of, marked . 127

displayed . 133

appointment of, as commandei’-in-
chief of American army in 1 775 . 134

wife of, in camp . 138

anecdote of, respecting an alarm . 138

visit of, to his mother . 141

dances a minuet . 143

last visit of, to his mother . 145

at Mount Vernon . 151

letter of, to his wife, announcing
his appointment to the com¬
mand of the army in 1775 . 151

member of Virginia assembly. ... 153

his election expenses . 153

his personal ap- ( 155,164,385,430
pearance . j 485, 487, 492

PAGE

Washington, George, member of

Continental Congress . 155

habits of, at Mount Vernon . 156

a surveyor . 156

as a master of slaves . 157

aversion of, to medicine. . . 162

an early riser . 162

ill health of, in French war . 162

his great labors . 163

his importations from London ... 163
his appearance on horseback when

abroad . 164,385

his dress . . 165

his inspection of his stables ..... 165
called to command independent

companies in 1774 . 165

diet of . 166

his agricultural improvements.. . . 167

products of his -estate . 167

Nelson, the favorite charger of. 166, 249

on his farm . 168

dining hour of . 169

habits of, at dinner . 169

his invariable “Toast”. .169, 250, 452

habits of, in his family . 171

child in Ireland named after him . 172

an observer of the Sabbath . 173

a communicant of the Protestant

Episcopal church . 173

his moral power and his sympa¬
thies . . 175

Gouverneur Morris rebuked by. . . 175
journey of, to seat of government
a continued scene of triumph.. 176

made dictator . 188

in battle at Princeton . 190

approaching Germantown . 194

exposure of, at Germantown . 201

letter of, to Congress, concerning

the battle of Germantown . 207

on the march to Valley Forge . . . 209

determines to attack Clinton . 213

summary of exploits of . 215

on the field of Monmouth . 220

exposure of, at Monmouth . 222

sends deceptive letters . 233

visits De Grasse’s flag-ship . 235

at Williamsburg . 240

has domestic affliction . 254

at the death-bed of J. P. Custis . 255, 505
journey of, to the Ohio in 1770 . . 300
his defence of the soldiers’ rights

to land . 300

company with, in the Ohio country 302
meets an Indian sachem in the

Ohio country . 302

speech of Indian sachem respect¬
ing . 303

clemency of . 319,320

refuses to go into a land specula¬
tion with Robert Morris . 326

INDEX.

643

Washington, George, advice of, to

Robert Morris .

commander-in-chief of the provi¬
sional army in 1798 .

visits Robert Morris in prison _

happy in the selection of his officers
letter o‘f, respecting a dancing as¬
sembly at Alexandria .

his love of theatrical performances

at the theatre in New York .

in retirement at Mount Ver¬
non . 370, 453,

resignation of commission of. . . . .

life of, at Mount Vernon .

drawings by .

letter of, to Mr. Rumney, respect¬
ing paving-stone .

at the battle of the Monongahela.

called to convention of 1787 .

announcement to, of his election
to the presidency of the United

States . 382,

as a sportsman .

kennel of. .

horses and hounds of .

appearance of, when hunting ....

hunting habits of .

on horseback .

last hunt of .

reception of, at Trenton .

inaugurated first president of the

United States .

residence of, in New York .

levees of .

severe illness of, in New York . . .
attempted stealthy departure of,

from New York in 1790 .

embarkation of, from New York in

1790 .

journey of, from New York to

Mount Vernon in 1790 .

in Philadelphia and Mount Vernon

home and household of .

public days of. .

exacts weekly reports from his

agents .

endeavors of, to avoid notoriety. .
anger of, on learning St. Clair’s

defeat .

parting of, with his officers at New

York in 1783 .

tour of, to southern states in 1791

punctuality of .

personal description of . 430,

private papers of .

his farewell dinner .

remains of, asked by government
for interment under the capital,
final action of Congress respecting

remains of. .

surveys made by .

facsimile of .

PAGE

Washington, George, rides of, over

his estate . 446

dines at Alexandria . 451

reviews troops at Alexandria .... 452
habits of, respecting correspond¬
ence . 454

once thrown from a horse . 459

in the old French and Indian

war . 463

from 1759 till 1775 in domestic life
and in continental Congress. . . 464
as commander-in-chief of armies . 464

his return from victory . 464

in retirement . 464

visited by Lafayette . 465

in convention of states . 466

president of the United States. . . 468

last military command of . 469

last employment of, at Mount Ver¬
non - * . 472

commencement of illness of . 473

Lear’s account of illness of . 473

last night of the life of . 475

calls for his wills . 476

his death . 476, 497, 510

weight, size, form, and features

Trumbull’s equestrian portrait of. 481
examples of his power of arm. 482, 483
power of the limbs and size of

hands of . 484

physiognomy of . 485

personal appearance of, admired

in New York in 1773 . 486

sketch of personal appearance of,

awe and reverence inspired by . . . 489
personal recollections of, by Sulli¬
van . 492

journey of, toward Williamsburg. 499
first acquaintance of, with Mrs.

Custis . . . 500

courtship and marriage of. . . .500-502
call of, into public life in 1787 . .% 505

portraits of . 516, 624

loss of the teeth of . 520

anecdote of his sitting to Stuart. . 522
directions of, respecting manage¬
ment of his farms . 595

Funeral oration, by General Lee,

before Congress . 615

Washington, Mrs., at headquarters. 287

accident at drawing-room of . 396

beloved in the army . 403

Griswold statement respecting. . . 408
narrow escape of, in a carriage. . . 426
letter of, concerning the remains

of her husband . 441

an accomplished Virginian house¬
wife . 455

PAGE

326

327

345

366

367

,464

370

371

372

375

381

, 467

384

385

386

389

393

394

396

398

400

401

402

405

406

410

411

417

420

424

427

487

436

440

443

445

644

INDEX.

PAGE

Washington, Mrs., grandchildren of,
sent for on occasion of Wash¬

ington’s illness . 475

at the death-bed of her husband. . 477

ancestry and birth of. . . 496

first marriage of . 496

children of . 496

death of children of . 496

death of husband of . 497, 510

legal advisers of . 497

first acquaintance of, with Wash¬
ington . 499

in continental camp . 503, 504

leaves home for public life in New

York . 506

establishment of, in New York. . . 506

in public life in New York . 507

renewals of acquaintance with. . . 507
attendance of, on religious ser¬
vices . 508

visits of old soldiers to . 508

retirement of, to domestic life .... 509

devotional practices of . 509

description of, in domestic life.. . . 510
yields the remains of her husband

to the federal government . 511

letter of condolence to, from the

Earl of Buchan . 511

mode of life of, after her husband’s

death . 513

death of . 513

personal appearance of . 514

neatness of . 514

miniature of, worn by her husband 528

Washington, Mrs. Lund . 39

Washington, William, sketch of . . . . 354

“Washington’s March” . 369

Watson, John F., erects monuments
to Generals Nash and Agnew,

and Lieutenant Bird . 204

Wayne, General Anthony . 212

Wertmuller, portrait of Washington

by . 526

Westford, resident at Mount Ver¬
non . 157

PAGE

West Point, Washington at . 274

Whig, term of, how derived . 332

Whiskey insurrection, account of

the . 359

White, Major, killed at German¬
town . 199

White, Eight Rev. William, D.D.. . 173
“ Widow of Malabar,” translation of,

by Colonel Humphreys . 399

Will, Washington’s . 439, 458

Williams, Otho Holland, biographi¬
cal sketch of . 355

Williams, artist in crayon, likeness

of Washington by . 523

Williamsburg, old capital of Vir¬
ginia... . 154

Wood, William B., in Walnut-street
prison . 328

Yorktown, surrender at . 229, 247

preparations for the siege of. . 230

attack upon, by the allies . 240

effect of cannonade upon the de¬
fences of . 240

constant exposure of Washington

at the siege of. . 242

patriotism of Governor Nelson at. 243
headquarters of Cornwallis at. . . . 444
letter from Clinton, received by
Cornwallis, urging him to hold

out to the last extremity . 244

death of Colonel Cochran at . 245

details of the surrender at . 247

total numbers of the army surren¬
dered at . 247

delivery of British colors at . 249

Cornwallis, the guest of Washing¬
ton after the surrender of . 249

how Lord North received the news

of the surrender of . 250

Colonel Tarleton at . 251

small-pox and camp-fever at, after

the surrender . 253

at the present time an inconsidera¬
ble village . 330

THE END.

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